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Introduction Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Introduction – Page 1__
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2012
Introduction
The Oklahoma Early Intervention Act has designated the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) Special
Education Services (SES), as the lead agency for administration of the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program.
OSDE-SES is responsible for monitoring progress and providing oversight in the administration of early
intervention services for infants and toddlers, and their families to ensure that the intent of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is achieved in Oklahoma. Oversight by the OSDE-SES includes the use of
various processes for accountability. The OSDE-SES collects both compliance and performance data for the SPP
and revised the SPP by extending the targets and revising the improvement activities. During FFY 2009-2010,
OSDE only had 58 dedicated Resource Coordinators and 8 Regional Coordinators based in county health
departments and SoonerStart offices. This is a shortage of 27 service coordinators.In accordance with the
Oklahoma Early Intervention Act, annual contracts and interagency agreements have been established with the
Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) for the provision of statewide early intervention services. In SFY
2006, 254 personnel were dedicated to the provision of early intervention services, based in local county health
departments and SoonerStart offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Additional contracts are developed with local
providers for services that exceed the capacity of local early intervention teams. Recruitment and retention of
qualified personnel is a priority of the program and the OSDH is taking action on an ongoing basis to address this
priority. In FFY 2009-2010, OSDH lost several staff to voluntary buy out retirement offered due to budget
shortfalls, as of June 2010 OSDH had only 189 staff members. This is a shortage of 65 staff statewide.
The Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (PL 108-36) reauthorized the Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act (CAPTA). In response to the mandate in that law to ensure that abused and neglected infants and
toddlers have access to early intervention services, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) and
SoonerStart have developed complimentary procedures for referring and screening all children under age three
involved in substantiated abuse and neglect. Required OKDHS referrals to SoonerStart Early Intervention Services
began in January 2005, increasing the number of infants and toddlers seen and the complexity of problems
addressed by SoonerStart. Infants and toddlers who suffer abuse or neglect are more likely than other children to
experience developmental delay requiring early intervention services. SoonerStart will continue increased
collaboration with OKDHS and other agencies to address the needs of Oklahoma’s youngest victims of abuse and
neglect.
Oklahoma’s focus on infant mental health has grown dramatically in the past 25 years. The collaborative
partnership established with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and the
SoonerStart program enhances a multidisciplinary effort to address the well-being of infants and toddlers. The ICC
Mental Health Committee, chaired by the ODMHSAS, is a very important link between the efforts and goals of the
SoonerStart program and the Partnership for Children’s Behavioral Health. The Partnership for Children’s
Behavioral Health consists of the heads of the state’s eight child-serving agencies, five family members, a senator,
and a representative. The goal of the Partnership is to create a unified and integrated behavioral health services
system for all children, youth, and their families. The ICC Mental Health Committee is working to ensure healthy
social and emotional development of infants in the context of family, community and cultural expectations.
By working in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), a joint monitoring process
maximizes accountability and federal cost-sharing for services performed by SoonerStart early intervention staff.
Reimbursable services, identified in the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan, may include case management,
evaluation, assessment, and therapies that are covered under Oklahoma’s Medicaid Plan.
A personnel development component, the Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) program, coordinated
by the Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center,
provides training and technical assistance for SoonerStart. Each year, STARS offers over 50 professional
development trainings for SoonerStart staff, public school special education personnel and family members. STARS
training focuses on service coordination and service delivery within home and community settings in order to
enhance each family’s capacity to meet the developmental needs of their child. The STARS contract with the
OSDE-SES has been dissolved due to budget cuts, therefore OSDE-SES has assumed the role of all personnel
development activities.
Introduction Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Introduction �� Page 2__
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
The mission of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) is to improve services to children by
facilitating joint planning and coordination among public and private agencies. It is the responsibility of the OCCY
to administer the ICC, which in turn advises and assists the OSDE-SES in fulfillment of its responsibilities. Through
the ICC, OCCY works collaboratively with SoonerStart partners and other early childhood entities to improve
services for Oklahoma’s infants and toddlers. OCCY is committed to assuring that all eligible infants and toddlers
and their families receive and benefit from high quality services that address their unique needs.
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development
As required by federal law, the function of the ICC is to advise and assist the OSDE-SES in fulfillment of its lead
agency responsibilities. The ICC and its subcommittees work with OSDE-SES and the SoonerStart partner agencies
to analyze SoonerStart’s data.
The ICC has been actively involved in every phase of the development of the SPP.. A significant portion of the
ICC agenda addresses the reauthorization of IDEA, the SoonerStart Quality Assurance (QA) Process and reports, the
SoonerStart Annual Performance Report (APR), the review SPP recommended indicators, and data as related to the
SPP/APR. SoonerStart Interagency Quality Assurance Team (QA Team) provided the Council with the self-assessment
data from the 26 local early intervention sites. The FFY 2006 SoonerStart QA Report was disseminated
along with SoonerStart Data Profiles to all 26 sites. SoonerStart SPP/APR Stakeholders were scheduled to meet two
times in the fall of 2007 to review the data and make revisions if necessary. The first date set was for December 21,
2007, but had to be canceled due to anticipated bad weather for the entire State of Oklahoma. The next Stakeholder
meeting was held on January 17, 2008. The SPP/APR was also presented to the ICC on January 4, 2008, during a
special meeting. The final document was sent to the ICC chair for final approval on January 25, 2008. The
Stakeholder committee includes parents, advocates, service providers, coordinators, OSDE-SES staff, and special
educators.
. The QA Team provided the ICC and the QA Stakeholders a copy of the FFY 2006-2007 SoonerStart QA Summary
Report. This report contained information regarding each local early intervention team’s quality assurance site visit.
A summary of the state’s results was disseminated to the SoonerStart Stakeholder Committee, ICC, partner
agencies, and local early intervention teams, ICC Policy and Funding Committee, and the ICC Program Evaluation
Committee for analysis and was posted on the OSDE Web site. SoonerStart partner agencies and the ICC Program
Evaluation Committee continue to gather local self-assessment monitoring data to analyze current service delivery
practices to develop approaches, as needed, to promote ongoing, timely delivery of services in natural environments.
Oklahoma implemented a new monitoring process in FFY 2009-2010. Two of the Regional Coordinator positions
were converted to Program Manager Positions. The focus of these two new positions was to develop new
monitoring procedures, monitoring tools, and to provide technical assistance and training to local sites. The
program managers each have 13 sites to oversee. These two positions have improved the data collection process and
are available to teams for local site visits to provide training or technical assistance with very little wait time. See
indicator 9 for a complete description of the new process.
The OSDE has worked with the ICC members along with other Stakeholders to create a SPP that improves the
state’s accountability and supports improved results that are data driven and focus on child outcomes.
The ICC and QA Stakeholders have provided guidance and diverse perspectives in addressing the desired outcomes,
baseline data, and prioritized improvement strategies to address the identified monitoring priorities, as well as
timelines for verification of improvement This new accountability focus is a model for systems improvement that
engages agency partners and SoonerStart Stakeholders in ongoing self-assessment and continuous improvement that
is data-driven and focused on progress toward outcomes, as well as regulatory compliance.
The OSDE-SES will continue to make available and report statewide data to the public regarding progress and/or
slippage in meeting the measurable and rigorous targets identified in the SPP. In addition, the state will report
disaggregated data based on the performance of each SoonerStart site on the targets in the SPP. The OSDE-SES
will deliver the SPP electronically to all the SoonerStart sites, local health department administrators, the ICC, and
SPP Stakeholders, The SPP will be posted on the OSDE-SES Web site <www.sde.state.ok.us> for public viewing
Introduction Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Introduction – Page 3__
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
and will be shared at open public meetings such as the ICC, SPP Stakeholders, and State Superintendent’s Special
Education Conference.
On December 15, 2010, the OSDE-SES with the assistance of the Southeastern Regional Resource Center presented
Oklahoma’s current data and received input and feedback regarding setting targets for 2010-2012. Revised and
extended targets can be found throughout this revised document.
Monitoring Priority: Timely Services
Indicator 1 - Percent of infants and toddlers with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) who receive the
early intervention services on their IFSPs in a timely manner.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 4
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who receive the early intervention services on their IFSPs in a
timely manner) divided by the total # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs times 100.
Account for untimely receipt of services.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
OSDE ensures that a written IFSP will be developed for each eligible child and family in accordance with IDEA and
must be developed jointly by the family and appropriate qualified personnel involved in the provision of early
intervention services.
Oklahoma has an established commitment through policies and procedures to provide timely coordinated services to
infants and toddlers and their families by assigning a service coordinator to the family within two days of the
SoonerStart referral. Within two days of receiving a referral at the early intervention site, a resource coordinator is
assigned to provide service coordination to assist and enable the family. The resource coordinator contacts the
family to complete an initial visit to conduct a timely family interview and a developmental screening within ten
working days from the day of the referral. The resource coordinator provides information about parental rights,
available services and other resources. Throughout the continuum of early intervention services, the resource
coordinator continues to coordinate and monitor early intervention and other appropriate services as well as
assessing family needs. The purpose of the two day assignment and the ten day family interview guidelines is to
establish a timely foundation that will assist with the state’s timelines.
Orientation to the IFSP process is conducted by the resource coordinator. Families receive information about the
SoonerStart program including; parent rights, family-centered philosophy, practices, core values, the participation of
families in all parts of the process, and the collaboration and partnership in a dynamic decision-making process that
enables families to choose the level and nature of early intervention services in their lives.
SoonerStart Quality Assurance Process:
In SFY 2004, the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program implemented a new continuous improvement, data-driven,
quantitative, performance-based quality assurance process. The process was designed to hold local SoonerStart
early intervention teams accountable to a set of program standards that will result in a more defined, accountable and
documented system of compliance and best practices. This process ties into the United States Department of
Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Continuous Improvement Planning Process (CIMP) and
SoonerStart’s SPP. The design of the process provides for continuous improvement through ongoing planning,
implementation analysis, and evaluation of the QA Process to improve results for infants and toddlers and their
families in Oklahoma. Revised self-assessment monitoring systems have been in place since 2000 with 11 regional
early intervention sites and 16 satellite sites completing their monitoring process annually and identifying trends in
compliance. In calendar year 2004, the SoonerStart program was reorganized into ten regions containing regional
and resource coordinators assessing and facilitating the services for each SoonerStart child.
In SFY 2004 and SFY 2005, 26 early intervention sites conducted self-assessment monitoring using the state’s QA
Process. The methodology for record selection consisted of a random sample of at least 10 percent of the caseload
or 15 records, whichever was greater, and generated by OSDE from the early intervention database for each local
early intervention team. Records were selected based on the following criteria:
 No children who were in the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program for less than 12 months were included
 No children who exited the program more than 12 months ago were included
 66.66 percent of the records to be reviewed were “open records”
 33.33 percent of the records to be reviewed were “closed records”
The annual local self-assessment process includes monitoring instruments that identify IDEA Part C compliance
through the use of single record review worksheets, team member surveys, local public awareness/child find plans,
team development plans, Part C database reports, caregiver concern worksheets, and corrective action plans for the
upcoming year. The regional coordinator facilitates the local monitoring process by working with the local
leadership team for each team in her/his region. The local leadership team includes the regional coordinator (or
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 5
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
designee), county health department administrator, lead clinician, records consultants, and technical supervisors. It
is the responsibility of the leadership team to complete the local self assessment process, for the annual monitoring
report and portfolio. This includes working with the team to develop a corrective action plan to address state or
federal noncompliance issues and a team development plan to address best practice issues. These plans are
submitted to the OSDE. In addition, OSDE tracks the teams corrective action plans, assist teams with the
development of their plans, conducts trainings, and provides support.
The design of the SoonerStart QA Process provides for continuous improvement through ongoing planning,
implementation analyses, and evaluation of the SoonerStart early intervention sites to improve results for infants and
toddlers and their families in Oklahoma. The SoonerStart QA Process includes procedural safeguard indicators that
measure compliance. Procedural safeguard indicators identify timely contact with family/caregivers, investigations
and resolution completed in the timeframe identified through the SoonerStart policies and procedures.
Implementation of the SoonerStart QA Process has provided evidence of change and continuous improvement.
The SoonerStart QA Report indicates families have access to a resource coordinator who facilitates ongoing, timely
services. The SoonerStart QA Report and the Part C Family Survey indicate a high percentage of families/caregivers
are satisfied with service coordination and supports they received.
The SoonerStart QA Process reflects the evaluation and assessment conducted, results in the identification of all
infant and toddlers needs and related family needs. Data shows that the appropriate multidisciplinary team members
evaluate the child for eligibility purposes and assess for individual needs. The multidisciplinary evaluation team
includes no less than two service providers with different educational backgrounds and includes parents/caregivers
as valuable team members. Immediately after the evaluation procedures have been completed, the multidisciplinary
evaluation teams, including the parents, meet to review all the evaluation data. Evaluation results are provided to the
family during the evaluation to ensure timely feedback about the child’s eligibility status.
In addition to state monitoring, the SoonerStart policies and procedures provides a framework for the establishment
of a statewide, coordinated early intervention system that will provide consistency for families of infants and
toddlers with disabilities. However, flexibility is required in the implementation of this process in order to capitalize
on the varied strengths and resources available in the communities in which families reside. In the spirit of
commitment to families, the IFSP process is the foundation of the Part C provisions of P.L. 99-457, as amended by
P.L. 108-446. This foundation establishes and supports the inherent role of families as the driving force in the
identification of their strengths and needs as well as those services and resources required to enhance the overall
development of their child. The IFSP is written with the parent, the dedicated resource coordinator and the service
provider who is going to be providing early intervention services. Decisions regarding beginning service dates and
direct services are entered on the SoonerStart IFSP form. It is SoonerStart’s policy that the IFSP team, parents
included, makes the decision when services will be implemented with recognition of the variations in family patterns
and structures. Oklahoma defines timely service as 15 working days from the day the service is written on the
IFSP. The IFSP teams are trained to develop the service delivery plan in conjunction with the families every day
routine.
Oklahoma implemented a new monitoring process in FFY 2009-2010. Two of the Regional Coordinator positions
were converted to Program Manager Positions. The focus of these two new positions was to develop new
monitoring procedures, monitoring tools, and to provide technical assistance and training to local sites. The
program managers each have 13 sites to oversee. These two positions have improved the data collection process and
are available to teams for local site visits to provide training or technical assistance with very little wait time. See
indicator 9 for a complete description of the new process.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
For FFY 2004, 555 of 555 (100.00%) infants and toddlers with IFSPs received the early intervention services on
their IFSPs in a timely manner.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 6
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Baseline data is a representation of 26 early intervention sites timeliness of IFSP services. The sample data was
abstracted from 555 SoonerStart records statewide. The methodology for record selection consisted of a random
sample of at least 10 percent of the caseload. This sample was over 10 percent of SoonerStart’s population with
IFSPs in place.
Current SoonerStart guidelines for determining timely IFSP services are primarily based on the parent’s decision.
Parents are entitled to request when services are initiated. The findings data are based on the median and average
days from the day the IFSP was signed by the parents to the beginning of early intervention services. Most early
intervention sites started the services the day that the IFSP was written and signed by the parent or within four
working days. In most cases, the reasons for early intervention services not started on the day of the written IFSP
were a decision that the parents made with the service provider the day of the signed consent for services. Timely
IFSP service is defined by the family and the IFSP Team. Flexibility is required in the implementation of timely
services, if the parent is unprepared for services within the identified timeline the beginning service date is
scheduled according to the parent’s needs. According to SoonerStart guidelines and the baseline data identified,
SoonerStart is 100 percent in compliance with timely IFSP services. Continuous efforts are underway to collect
data, identify timeline barriers, and modify forms. SoonerStart comprehensive quality assurance process, procedures
and practices ensure state and federal compliance. The SoonerStart program does not identify systemic
noncompliance with timeliness of IFSP services.
Measurable and Rigorous Target
Indicator 1, Figure 2 (Source: SFY 2005 Quality Assurance Report and Measurable and Rigorous Targets)
Oklahoma will continue to strive to reach the 100% target for FFY 2010-2011 and FFY 2011-2012
94.40%
100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
100.00%
FFY 2004
(2004-
2005)
FFY 2005
(2005-
2006)
FFY 2006
(2006-
2007)
FFY 2007
(2007-
2008)
FFY 2008
(2008-
2009)
FFY 2009
(2009-
2010)
FFY 2010
(2010-
2011)
FFY 2011
(2011-
2012)
FFY 2012
(2012-
2013)
Percent
Compliance
Indicator 1: Received Early Intervention Services in a Timely Manner
Out of 536
records
reviewed, 506
records were
in
compliance.
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 7
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. SoonerStart monitoring instruments and procedures, the SoonerStart database, Data Profiles, the performance
management process, and the ICC Program Evaluation Committee will continue to identify IDEA compliance
and document needs for systemic change through coordinated, data-based decision-making.
B. The SoonerStart program will use data collected through the Monitoring process to establish multiyear trends
for progress in timely IFSP services.
C. SoonerStart program will continue to make trainings available at the state, regional, and local level to
SoonerStart staff and parents on the topic of timely provision of early intervention services.
D. SoonerStart will provide training and technical assistance to teams to ensure individuals are documenting the
reasons why the 15 working day timeline was not met.
E. SoonerStart will monitor each record when the 15 working day requirement is not met and determine if the
reason is an exceptional family circumstances or a reason within the local program.
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 8
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 9
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The Interagency Coordinating Council and the QA Stakeholders have provided guidance and diverse perspectives in
addressing the baseline data, measurable and rigorous targets and prioritized improvement strategies to address the
identified monitoring priorities, as well as timelines for verification of improvement. The SoonerStart Stakeholders’
agreed that the 618 child count data provided quantifiable baseline data. Maintenance statements were identified for
measurable and rigorous targets. See introduction and Indicator 1overview of the SoonerStart’s SPP Development
for further description of Stakeholders’ participation and public dissemination.
The OSDE-SES will make available and report statewide data to the public regarding progress and/or slippage in
meeting the measurable and rigorous targets identified in the SPP. In addition, the state will report disaggregated
data based on the performance of each SoonerStart site on the targets in the SPP. The OSDE-SES will deliver the
SPP electronically to all SoonerStart sites, local health department administrators, ICC, and the QA and SPP
Stakeholder Group. The SPP will be posted on the OSDE-SES Web site <www.sde.state.ok.us> for public viewing
and will be shared at open public meetings such as the ICC Committee meeting, State Superintendent’s Special
Education Conference, and IDEA Part B Advisory Panel Meeting.
Monitoring Priority: Natural Environments
Indicator 2 - Percent of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who primarily receive early intervention services in the
home or community-based setting.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who primarily receive early intervention services in the home or
community-based setting) divided by the (total # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs) times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
SoonerStart uses a single statewide IFSP form. The SoonerStart IFSP form contains a service delivery section that
captures all environments documented in which services are provided. If services are not provided in the child’s
“natural environments” documentation is required that explains the reasons for services to be provided in alternate
locations. Since the inception of the SoonerStart program in Oklahoma, services have been provided primarily in
the home. See Indicator 2 Figure 1 baseline data (Source: Annual 618 Data Reports) Natural environments have
been emphasized through SoonerStart’s policies and procedures and training activities. All services are conducted
in the setting(s) that is selected by the family as most appropriate for their child. In those instances where the
chosen setting is not the child’s natural environment or typical setting, justification for the alternate location must be
provided. The justification shall include an explanation of how the location was determined and how the services in
this location will be generalized to support the child’s ability to function in natural environments. The IFSP includes
services necessary to enhance the child’s ability to function in natural environments. The IFSP identifies the
environment that is natural or typical for the child and family.
SoonerStart Quality Assurance Process:
In SFY 2005, 25 early intervention sites conducted local self-assessment monitoring using the state’s QA Process.
The methodology for record selection consisted of a random sample of at least 10 percent of the caseload or 15
records, whichever was greater, and generated by OSDE from the early intervention database for each local early
intervention team. The SoonerStart QA Report identified in the below table indicates services are primarily in the
child’s natural environments. Services are being provided in either natural environments or the IFSPs have
documentation reflecting reasons why services are not provided in natural environments.
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 10
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma implemented a new monitoring process in FFY 2009-2010. Two of the Regional Coordinator positions
were converted to Program Manager Positions. The focus of these two new positions was to develop new
monitoring procedures, monitoring tools, and to provide technical assistance and training to local sites. The
program managers each have 13 sites to oversee. These two positions have improved the data collection process and
are available to teams for local site visits to provide training or technical assistance with very little wait time. See
indicator 9 for a complete description of the new process.
IFSP/Natural Environment Quality Assurance Questions:
Data findings from the QA IFSP/Natural Environment component contribute to identification of strengths and
weaknesses in the SoonerStart program. Out of the 513 records reviewed, during the SFY 2005, 498 of the infants
and toddlers received services in natural learning environments, 15 records had documentation on the IFSP
regarding the reasons why services were not provided in natural environments. The records were explored to
determine if documentation supported the reasons why services were not provided in natural environments. Analysis
for these findings concluded that all records have documentation of services being provided in the natural
environment or reasons why the IFSP team made a decision not to provide services in the natural environment.
SoonerStart Training:
The Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) offer trainings that support the provision of individualized,
comprehensive, multidisciplinary, family-centered, community-based programs. All SoonerStart families are
encouraged to participate in these trainings. The STARS in-service training provides opportunities to providers to
improve skills at identifying child and family need and providing helpful services in natural environments.
SoonerStart provides statewide and local training, including STARS, and Training for Inclusive Child Care Equals
Terrific Opportunities for Children (TIC-TOC), to families/care providers, community providers, and early
intervention staff about natural learning environments.
SoonerStart Logic Model:
SoonerStart Logic Model has elements that include assumptions based on the state’s philosophy for provision of
early intervention services, activities provided by or through the SoonerStart program, long term goals, and desired
outcomes for children, families, and Oklahoma communities, all based on the SoonerStart mission statement. Using
the Logic Model as the organizing structure, short-term objectives and outcome indictors are more fully developed
in the logic Model Data Map.
Local early intervention sites have agreements with the state’s Early Head Start programs to provide cooperative
services in local communities.
SoonerStart ICC Evaluation Committee continues to utilize and revise, as needed, the SoonerStart Part C Family
Survey regarding natural learning environments, community services, and age-appropriate services.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
FFY 2004, 2,887 of 3,013 (95.81%) children received services provided in the home or programs for typically
developing children (see table below).
Indicator 2: Number of Children Served in Different Early Intervention Settings
Setting
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 11
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Programs for children with
developmental delays or
disabilities
10
(0.41%)
17
(0.65%)
13
(0.44%)
2
(0.06%)
5
(0.17%)
Programs for typically
developing children
1
(0.04%)
16
(0.61%)
11
(0.37%)
15
(0.45%)
30
(1.00%)
Indicator 2: Number of Children Served in Different Early Intervention Settings
Setting 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Home 2,296
(93.14%)
2,440
(92.88%)
2,766
(94.15%)
3,091
(92.32%)
2,882
(95.65%)
Hospital 1
(0.04%)
2
(0.08%)
0
(0.00%)
5
(0.15%)
0
(0.00%)
Residential facility 1
(0.04%)
4
(0.15%)
2
(0.07%)
2
(0.06%)
2
(0.07%)
Service provider location 27
(1.10%)
36
(1.37%)
33
(1.12%)
91
(2.72%)
17
(0.56%)
Other setting 129
(5.23%)
112
(4.26%)
113
(3.85%)
142
(4.24%)
77
(2.56%)
Total Number of Children
with IFSP 2,465 2,627 2,938 3,348 3,013
Discussion of Baseline Data:
During FFY 2004, 2,887 of 3,013 (95.81%) children received services provided in the home or programs for
typically developing children. SoonerStart services provided are individualized to meet the unique needs of eligible
infants and toddlers. Continuous efforts to improve IFSP services in multiple natural learning environments are
ongoing.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Target
2005
(2005-2006)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2006
(2006-2007)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2007
(2007-2008)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2008
(2008-2009)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2009
(2009-2010)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2010
(2010-2011)
95.81% of Oklahoma��s children will be served in their home orcommunity based setting.
2011
(2011-2012)
95.81 of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or community based setting.
2012
(2012-2013
95.81 of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or community based setting.
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 12
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. The SoonerStart QA Team and the QA Stakeholders will continue reviewing current service delivery practices
to identify approaches IFSP teams use to promote multiple natural learning environments.
B. SoonerStart partner agencies, regional coordinators, and lead clinicians will monitor annually a sufficient
number of records to ensure continuous improvement using the SoonerStart QA Process.
C. To promote services in multiple natural learning environments, the SoonerStart program will offer local
trainings to the early intervention sites that provides majority of services in the home.
D. SoonerStart will continue to generate and make public the individual Site Data Profiles through the OSDE-SES
Web site.
E. .
F. SoonerStart will continue to provide statewide and local training, , to families/care providers, community
providers, and early intervention staff about natural learning environments.
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 13
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The ICC and the QA Stakeholders have provided guidance and diverse perspectives in addressing the desired
outcomes, baseline data, and prioritized improvement strategies to address the identified monitoring priorities, as
well as timelines for verification of improvement. The Stakeholder committee reviewed data from the quality
assurance activities to evaluate the process and to make recommendations for enhancement. The SoonerStart QA
Stakeholders analyzed data and identified mechanisms for collecting information on improved and sustained
functional abilities. The SoonerStart partner agencies received input from Stakeholders regarding child outcome
measures. This included concerns that the BDI and the BDI-II do not accurately reflect a child’s functional abilities
or assistive technology, accommodations or modifications that aide a child’s functioning. In addition, the
stakeholders expressed that the BDI does not indicate progress made by children with significant delays. They
recommended consideration of the ECO Summary Form using a variety of tools already in use, such as the BDI-II,
Early Learning Accomplishment Profile (ELAP), Birth to Three (BTT), and Hawaii, Early Learning Profile (HELP).
The Stakeholders also agreed to remain a part of the workgroup to provide input to the outcome measurement
process, support trainings and develop guidelines. See Introduction and Indicator 1 for more details regarding
stakeholder activity and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Child Outcomes
Indicator 3 - Percent of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who demonstrate improved:
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/ communication); and
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Measurement:
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships):
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level comparable to
same-aged peers = # of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times
100.
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
improved functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
did not improve functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
If children meet the criteria for a, report them in a. Do not include children reported in a in b or c. If a +
b + c does not sum to 100%, explain the difference.
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/communication):
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level comparable to
same-aged peers = # of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times
100.
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
improved functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
did not improve functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
If children meet the criteria for a, report them in a. Do not include children reported in a in b or c. If a +
b + c does not sum to 100%, explain the difference.
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs:
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level comparable to
same-aged peers = # of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 14
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
comparable to same-aged peers divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times
100.
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
improved functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
did not improve functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
If children meet the criteria for a, report them in a. Do not include children reported in a in b or c. If a +
b + c does not sum to 100%, explain the difference.
Summary Statements for Each of the Three Outcomes (use for FFY 2008-2009 reporting):
Summary Statement 1: Of those preschool children who entered the preschool program below age
expectations in each Outcome, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by the time
they turned 6 years of age or exited the program.
Measurement for Summary Statement 1:
Percent = # of preschool children reported in progress category (c) plus # of preschool children reported
in category (d) divided by [# of preschool children reported in progress category (a) plus # of preschool
children reported in progress category (b) plus # of preschool children reported in progress category (c)
plus # of preschool children reported in progress category (d)] times 100.
Summary Statement 2: The percent of preschool children who were functioning within age
expectations in each Outcome by the time they turned 6 years of age or exited the program.
Measurement for Summary Statement 2: Percent = # of preschool children reported in progress
category (d) plus [# of preschool children reported in progress category (e) divided by the total # of
preschool children reported in progress categories (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) + (e)] times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
SoonerStart established a task force to review existing measurement/assessment tools for child outcomes. The task
force included participants from SoonerStart, Head Start, the Part C Quality Assurance Stakeholder Group, and
representatives from LEAs. Following the recommendations of the task force, SoonerStart adopted the Child
Outcomes Summary Form (COSF) and scoring recommendations developed by the Early Childhood Outcomes
(ECO) Center. To complete the COSF, SoonerStart service providers will use all available information (including
parent observations, evaluations, and other assessments) as well as the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI-II).
The BDI-II has been used as one of the evaluation procedures at the initial and exit evaluation for over five years.
All eligible infants and toddlers have an initial, exit, and/or transition evaluation and other assessments as
appropriate. Initial ratings on the COSF must be completed within 30 days of the initial IFSP. Exit ratings must be
completed within 30 days of the child’s last date of service. Evaluators complete the BDI-II and other evaluation
tools with the help of the parents and document the results on the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Summary
(METS).
Beginning November 1, 2006, SoonerStart required all sites to complete the COSF for all children entering
SoonerStart services and for all children exiting services (either by meeting all goals on their IFSPs or by
transitioning to Part B or other childhood programs at age 3) who have been receiving Part C services for at least six
months. The summary ratings from the COSF will be collected through the Oklahoma State Department of
Education (OSDE) Web-based data collection system. The Web-based system includes data elements to meet
federal, state, and local data needs. System management is handled at the state level, whereas data collection and
entry are completed at the site level. The OSDE Applications Specialist maintains the SoonerStart database and
provides technical assistance to local staff.
Entry data regarding the percent of children with IFSPs functioning at levels comparable to same-aged peers (to
represent FFY 2005) were collected on children entering SoonerStart services from November 1, 2006, through
December 31, 2006. These dates of inclusion were used because the original sampling plan (which included a pilot
study) submitted to the OSEP was rejected. Based on the timing of clarification from the OSEP, SoonerStart
collected the data (which included all children) on entries for children in the SoonerStart program as timely as
possible.
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 15
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Progress Data for FFY 2006 (2006-2007): comparable to same age peers for use of appropriate behaviors to meet
their needs for FFY 2005 is located in the Oklahoma State Performance Plan (SPP; 2005).
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships): Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 6 15%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
9 23%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a
level nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 7 18%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach
a level comparable to same-aged peers 15 38%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a
level comparable to same-aged peers 3 8%
Total N=40 100%
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early
language/communication):
Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 3 8%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
8 20%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a
level nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 6 15%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach
a level comparable to same-aged peers 21 53%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a
level comparable to same-aged peers 2 5%
Total N=40 100%
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs: Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 2 5%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
8 20%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a
level nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 7 18%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach
a level comparable to same-aged peers 21 53%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a
level comparable to same-aged peers 2 5%
Total N=40 100%
A. In FFY 2006, 18 of 40 (45%) children functioned at levels comparable to same-aged peers for social-emotional
skills.
B. In FFY 2006, 23 of 40 (57%) children functioned at levels comparable to same-aged peers for acquisition
of knowledge.
C. In FFY 2006, 23 of 40 (57%) children functioned at levels comparable to same-aged peers for use of
behaviors to meet their needs.
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 16
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Discussion of Progress Data:
Beginning in January 2006, all early intervention sites collected BDI information for entry data on all children who
were eligible for SoonerStart services between January and June 2006. The data collection and reporting system
was based on a yes-no categorization. The OSEP revised Child Outcomes Reporting requirements for Part C in
September 2006. The impact of this change caused SoonerStart to revisit the methodology of collecting child
outcome data for 2006 and expedited the timeline for statewide Child Outcome data collection. Oklahoma provided
training to all SoonerStart Early Intervention staff in October of 2006 regarding why SoonerStart must track Child
Outcome information, how the team will collect and report the data, and when the process will begin. Starting
November 1, 2006, SoonerStart sites began to collect and report Child Outcome data
Entry and exit data was collected on 40 infants and toddlers on IFSPs (i.e., all infants and toddlers entering
SoonerStart services from November 1, 2006, that were on an IFSP for six months), that were on an IFSP for six
months and exited before June 30, 2007.
Baseline Data for FFY 2008 (2008-2009):
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships): Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 20 2.3%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
75 8.5%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a level
nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 242 27.4%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach a
level comparable to same-aged peers 399 45.2%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers 146 16.6%
Total 882 100%
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early
language/communication):
Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 21 2.3%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
66 7.3%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a level
nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 275 30.6%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach a
level comparable to same-aged peers 461 51.2%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers 77 8.6%
Total 900 100%
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs: Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 13 1.5%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
64 7.2%
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 17
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a level
nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 289 32.5%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach a
level comparable to same-aged peers 469 52.7%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers 55 6.2%
Total 890 100%
SUMMARY STATEMENTS Outcome 1 Outcome 2 Outcome 3
1. Of those children who entered the program below age
expectations in [outcome], the percent that
substantially increased their rate of growth in
[outcome] by the time they exited.
87.1% 89.4% 90.8%
2. Percent of children who were functioning within age
expectations in [outcome], by the time they exited. 61.8% 59.8% 58.9%
Discussion of Baseline Data: For FFY 2008, entry and exit information was collected on all children who met the
criteria: six months of service and not referred after 30 months of age. Data shown exclude: children that received
services for less than six months, those missing entry or exit dates, and children with no information about child’s
progress at exit.
Measurable and Rigorous Target:
Summary Statements
Targets FFY
2009 (% of
children)
Targets
FFY 2010-
2011 (% of
children)
Targets
FFY 2011-
2012(% of
children)
Targets
FFY 2012-
2013(% of
children)
Outcome A: Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships)
1. Of those children who entered or exited the program below age expectations
in Outcome A, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by
the time they exited the program
88.64% 90.61%
94.55%
94.55%
2. The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in
Outcome A by the time they exited the program 64.06% 64.86%
65.66%
65.66%
Outcome B: Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills
(including early language/communication and early literacy)
1. Of those children who entered or exited the program below age expectations
in Outcome A, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by
the time they exited the program
91.17% 91.79%
92.41%
92.41%
2. The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in
Outcome A by the time they exited the program 61.07% 61.52%
61.97%
61.97%
Outcome C: Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs
1. Of those children who entered or exited the program below age expectations
in Outcome A, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by
the time they exited the program
91.97% 93.46%
94.95%
94.95%
2. The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in
Outcome A by the time they exited the program 59.73% 60.02%
60.31%
60.31%
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 18
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma, with broad stakeholder input, has set the targets for early childhood outcomes based on the analysis of
the progress and baseline data. The targets were set by adding half a standard deviation of the progress data average
to the baseline data. Targets are now more rigorous and in line with Oklahoma’s Part B ECO’s.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
At the State level, SoonerStart is examining policies, practices, and procedures to determine what (if any) changes
should occur in the system to address early childhood outcomes. In addition, SoonerStart will also take the
following steps:
A. Collaborate with Part B personnel to develop strategies for recruiting and maintaining Part C service personnel
such as speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other providers with
specialized skills. (on-going)
B. Provide training on early childhood outcomes for Part C staff, Part B staff, and parents
C. Request additional technical assistance and information from SERRC on strategies for improving child
outcomes or policies from other states (
D. Request additional technical assistance and information from the ECO Center, NECTAC, and other agencies,
stakeholder groups, taskforces, and technical assistance providers
E. Provide early childhood outcome data to each site, ICC, and stakeholders
Indicator 4 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 4: Family Outcomes - Page 19
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
In an effort to evaluate the SoonerStart program and determine parent satisfaction, the ICC Program Evaluation
Committee meets monthly to review proposals submitted by SoonerStart Agency partners, quality assurance
procedures and to analyze review and refine the Logic Model to determine redundancy, gaps or areas that may or
may not currently be part of the committee. Additionally, the committee reviews research focused on SoonerStart
activities. The ICC Program Evaluation Committee developed a Logic Model to improve program evaluation efforts
that describes the services that the SoonerStart program is providing. Using the Logic Model Data Map provides
strategy of comprehensive evaluation for the SoonerStart program. The SoonerStart Stakeholder Committee meets
biannually to review existing monitoring data, the quality assurance reports, APR, and program indicators to identify
needed changes in the system and identify strategies that will assist the SoonerStart program to move towards a
more focused monitoring process. See Introduction and Indicator 1 for more details regarding stakeholder activity
and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Parent Involvement
Indicator 4 - Percent of families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services have helped the
family:
A. Know their rights;
B. Effectively communicate their children's needs; and
C. Help their children develop and learn.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Measurement:
A. Percent = # of respondent families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services
have helped the family know their rights divided by the # of respondent families participating in Part C
times 100.
B. Percent = # of respondent families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services
have helped the family effectively communicate their children's needs divided by the # of respondent
families participating in Part C times 100.
C. Percent = # of respondent families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services
have helped the family help their children develop and learn divided by the # of respondent families
participating in Part C times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
For FFY 2005, SoonerStart utilized a stratified random sample to collect baseline information on family outcomes.
In an effort to provide a sample that was technically sound, SoonerStart consulted with an epidemiologist from the
Data Management Center in the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
(OUHSC). The method for selecting the SoonerStart Family Sample was developed to reflect (1) information on
both past and current clients and (2) the distribution of clients by each of the 26 local SoonerStart sites. There are no
SoonerStart sites that have a total of 50,000 or more children receiving services in Oklahoma. Selection procedures
guaranteed that every family in each site had an equal chance of being included in the survey. Inclusion criteria
included: (1) date of birth between 01/01/2002 and 12/31/2005, (2) eligible for the program; (3) telephone number in
the record; and (4) caregiver listed in the record. 7,831 records were available for selection based on these criteria.
To statistically represent the target population at 95% confidence with +/- 5.5% error, 296 completed interviews
were needed. Because the number of completed interviews in each region was proportionate to the number of
children receiving services at each site, the sample was guaranteed to accurately produce a sample that is
representative of the population, because every eligible child had the same chance as another child to be selected for
the sample.
Indicator 4 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 4: Family Outcomes - Page 20
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma State University (OSU) Bureau for Social Research (BSR) was contracted to contact families and
complete the Family Survey through a telephone questionnaire. The Family Survey included questions from the
National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring (NCSEAM) survey, and specific questions
requested by the OSEP that measure early intervention services related to helping the family know their rights, that
SoonerStart services have helped the family effectively communicate their children's needs, and that SoonerStart
personnel have helped the family help their children develop and learn. OSU-BSR considered each “agree” or
“strongly agree” response in the percents reported for the baseline data (note: “neutral” responses are not included).
OSU-BSR completed 304 Family Surveys. Compared to the entire population of infants and toddlers receiving
SoonerStart services in Oklahoma in FFY 2005, the sample was comparable by gender and race/ethnicity (within
0.5% of the population data).
Although SoonerStart proposed a less detailed version of this sampling plan in the original submission of the
Oklahoma State Performance Plan (SPP; 2005) that was not approved by the OSEP, SoonerStart continued to use
this scientifically sound stratified random sample to collect the data needed to report a baseline for FFY 2005 (with
the intention of providing more detail regarding the sampling plan in the submission of the revised SPP). However,
for FFY 2006, SoonerStart will collect information regarding parent involvement by surveying all parents of
children with disabilities, aged birth through 2, receiving SoonerStart services, based on the recommendation of the
IDEA Part C SPP/APR Stakeholder Group. For FFY 2006, each SoonerStart site will receive copies of the parent
survey developed by the NCSEAM as well as business reply envelopes to return the surveys to SoonerStart staff at
the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), Special Education Services (SES), based on their December
1, 2006, child counts. SoonerStart sites will be given instructions to disseminate the surveys and envelopes to all
parents of students with disabilities served by the site. Spanish, Vietnamese, and large print versions of the survey
will also be available upon request. Beginning in FFY 2007, SoonerStart will require each site to provide parents
with a copy of the parent survey and a business reply envelope at each annual IFSP meeting.
Baseline Data for FFY 2005 (2005-2006):
In FFY 2005, 304 (29%) of the 1,049 sample completed the phone interview. Of the completed interviews:
A. 280 of 304 (92.11%) of families report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 254 of 304 (83.55%) of families report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their children’s
needs.
C. 268 of 304 (88.16%) of families reported that SoonerStart helped the family help their children develop and
learn.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
For FFY 2005, the OSU-BSR interviewed 304 families. Because the number of completed interviews in each region
is proportionate to the number of clients enrolled in each region, the sample is guaranteed to accurately reflect the
distribution of current and former SoonerStart clients by region. Furthermore, the margin of error for a stratified
random sample of the size of this study (304 respondents) is +/- 5.5 percentage points when the distribution of
question responses is in the vicinity of 50%. This sampling error presumes the conventional 95% degree of desired
confidence, which is equivalent to a “significance level” of .05. This means that no more than one time in twenty
should chance variations in the sample because the overall study results to vary by more than 5.5 percentage points
from the answers that would be obtained if all families were interviewed.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Target
2006
(2006-2007)
A. 93.05% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.15% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.75% of families will report that the SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2007
(2007-2008)
A. 93.10% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.20% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
Indicator 4 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 4: Family Outcomes - Page 21
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
C. 93.80% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2008
(2008-2009)
A. 93.15% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.25% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.85% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2009
(2009-2010)
A. 93.30% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.30% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.90% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2010
(2010-2011)
A. 93.35% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.35% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.95% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2011
(2011-2012)
A. 93.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 94.00% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2012
(2012-2013
A. 93.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 94.00% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
At the State level, SoonerStart is examining policies, practices, and procedures to determine what (if any) changes
should occur in the system to address family outcomes. In addition, SoonerStart will also take the following steps:
A. Provide technical assistance to SoonerStart sites on methods facilitating parental involvement through team
leader meetings, , and personnel development activities
B. Provide personnel development activities and/or books and other resources to SoonerStart personnel on topics
such as IFSP team decision-making and parents as team members (
C. Request additional technical assistance and information from the SERRC on strategies for improving family
outcomes or policies from other states (
D. Request additional assistance for the Oklahoma Parent Training and Information Center, Oklahoma Parent
Network, stakeholder groups, taskforces, and technical assistance providers (
E. Publicize family outcomes data on the OSDE-SES Web site by SoonerStart region as part of the SoonerStart
data profiles, where sample sizes allow (
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 22
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The ICC Public Awareness Committee meets quarterly for the purpose of reviewing brochures, publications and
public awareness plans and activities for local SoonerStart early intervention sites. During FY 2004, a
subcommittee was formed to assist the ICC with the validity, utilization and availability of SoonerStart brochures,
publications and forms. The Publications Committee meets monthly. The committee members meet with the
Oklahoma Department of Human Services publications artist who reviews the brochures and makes suggestions
regarding logos, fonts, colors and production process to enhance visual quality of brochures and display boards. All
materials are currently analyzed for content relevance and cultural and family sensitivity. On October 4, 2005, the
Part C Stakeholders met to review the SoonerStart’s QA data, determine if the data addressed the OSEP Indicator 5
and 6, and to provide input on measurable and rigorous targets as well as particular activities, timelines and
resources that the program may need to consider for continuous improvement. The Stakeholders agreed that there is
a statewide comprehensive and coordinated public awareness child find system. The percentage of infants and
toddlers receiving services in Oklahoma is comparable to states with similar eligibility criteria. See Introduction and
Indicator 1 for more details regarding stakeholder activity and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Child Find 0-1
Indicator 5 - Percent of infants and toddlers birth to 1 with IFSPs compared to national data.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers birth to 1 with IFSPs) divided by the (population of infants and toddlers birth
to 1) times 100 compared to national data.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
OSDE, as lead agency, develops a public awareness program that focuses on early identification of children. OSDE
prepares and disseminates information to primary referral sources, especially hospitals and physicians, of
information to be given to parents, especially to inform parents with premature infants, or infants with other physical
risk factors associated with learning or developmental complications, on the availability of early intervention
services, and procedures for assisting such sources in disseminating information to parents of infants and toddlers.
The public awareness plan includes a broad range of referral sources such as homeless family shelters, clinics, and
other health service related offices, public schools and officials, and the child welfare system.
SoonerStart’s public awareness program represents a strategy for promoting public acceptance and raising public
consciousness regarding children with disabilities and early intervention services. It is a systematic, continuous, and
purposeful communication activity, which uses multiple resources to inform groups and the public regarding these
issues. A primary focus is the early identification of children who are eligible to receive early intervention services.
The dissemination of information is coordinated through the state partner agency coordinators. SoonerStart partner
agency coordinators present at conferences and state meetings for Head Start, Indian health organizations, and
physicians to inform them about SoonerStart services. State coordinators serve on state tasks forces and committees
for disability issues and/or early childhood issues to ensure infants and toddlers with disabilities are represented and
collaborative child find and outreach activities are successful.
In SFY 2003, the SoonerStart Oklahoma’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) subcommittee was created.
Several SoonerStart partner agencies are involved as well as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Neonatal
Parents Network. The subcommittee developed a transition process from NICU to SoonerStart. The subcommittee
introduced this transition process to the ICC Public Awareness Committee and trainings for regional and resource
coordinators are available through the SoonerStart STARS. Currently, regional and resource coordinators meet with
families referred to SoonerStart whose newborns are in intensive care at the NICU before the infant is released.
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 23
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
In SFY 2005, 36 percent of the referrals came from parents/caregivers, 34 percent of referrals were received from
medical providers, 16 percent were OKDHS referrals, and the remaining referrals came from other community
sources. This data indicates that public awareness and child find activities are reaching a variety of referral sources.
Oklahoma Areawide Services and Information System (OASIS):
OASIS is statewide information and referral service that helps Oklahomans with special needs as well as anyone in
need find community resources. OASIS provides access to resource information through a searchable directory
which is available on the OASIS Web site at <http://oasis.ouhsc.edu>. OASIS assists the SoonerStart program by
providing one-on-one information and referral by telephone, mail and email, taking relay calls from parents needing
to get in touch with their resource coordinator or other early intervention staff outside their dialing area. In addition
to providing one-on-one information and referral by telephone, mail and email, OASIS also provides access to
resource information through a searchable directory which is available on the OASIS Web site. OASIS also
attended, exhibited and/or presented at a number of conferences, workshops and events. During the past year,
OASIS staff participated in 26 workshops, conferences and other events where approximately 5,776 people were in
attendance. Over 7,838 public awareness materials were distributed including OASIS, Oklahoma Respite and
Referral Network (ORRN), SoonerStart brochures and the Family Connections Newsletter. OASIS has a well-organized
resource database that is continuously maintained through data collection and update procedures. During
SFY 2004, 249 new agencies and programs were added and 2,306 agencies and program records were updated. The
database currently contains 1,677 agencies and 4,831 programs.
Joint Oklahoma Information Network: (JOIN)
During SFY 2004, OASIS began collaboration with JOIN. The lead agency for JOIN is the Oklahoma Commission
on Children & Youth (OCCY) and is a partnership between Oklahoma state agencies which has been working to
develop a Web based system that will allow for data sharing between participating agencies. In addition, JOIN
provides a public Web site at <www.join.ok.gov> that includes an eligibility questionnaire and a community
resource directory. The eligibility questionnaire assists public users to assess whether they might be eligible for
state programs such as SoonerStart, OKDHS programs, OSDH programs, food stamps, Medicaid, WIC and other
programs. The community resource directory contains listings of community health, education and human service
programs. During the January – March 2005 period, this directory had 89,876 hits and over 14,000 searches were
detected. This new resource directory allows SoonerStart staff to search for and print off all the resources in the
directory for each county in their service area.
Birth Defect Registry:
Birth Defect Registry database system is currently linked to the OSDH database to track how many children were
referred and receiving early intervention services. In addition, the BDR submits quarterly reports to the OKDHS
SoonerStart coordinator in order to identify, compare and to ensure that children in foster care under age one are
being referred and receiving early intervention services. SoonerStart partner agencies review the process to refer all
potentially eligible children on the Birth Defect Registry (BDR) to SoonerStart.
Child Abuse Prevention Act (CAPTA) (PL 108-36):
SoonerStart partner agencies are facilitating the development of state policies and procedures to ensure coordinated,
timely referral of all children identified by the state for substantiated abuse, neglect, or substance abuse. In
SFY2005, regional OKDHS SoonerStart referral trainings were conducted at six regional OKDHS sites across the
state.
Medical Home:
SoonerStart is involved with Oklahoma’s Medical Home initiative. This multiagency initiative involves providing
support to develop a medical home for Medicaid eligible children. Within this project, SoonerStart is working with
local staff to increase the understanding of the role of the medical home in the coordination of care that is vital to
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 24
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
effective collaboration between early intervention and medical services. This model promotes coordinated, effective
communication between all professionals providing services to children.
Child Count Data:
Indicator 5, Figure 1(Source US Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Data Analysis System)
Indicator 5, Figure 1 shows a point in time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 1997-2003.
SoonerStart serves at or above the national average for children under the age of one. SoonerStart’s public
awareness efforts are effectively reaching families with young children.
Monitoring Process
The SoonerStart quality assurance public awareness component was fully implemented in SFY 2004. The
SoonerStart local early intervention sites develop and implement yearly public awareness plans that target families
with infants under one. These plans include strategies to address OSEP indicators and local needs.
SoonerStart partner agencies conduct on-site QA reviews using program indicators related to public awareness and
child find activities. This QA Process contains seven program questions specifically to identify the local public
awareness and child find plan and activities.
In SFY 2005, the QA team identified public awareness plan and activities targeted healthcare and community
programs serving children under the age of one and environments where families would spend time.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
OK Percentage 0.85 0.96 0.92 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3
National Percentage 0.91 0.82 0.94 0.9 0.9 1 0.9
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
Birth to 1 Child Count
OK Percentage National Percentage
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 25
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 5, Figure 2 (Source US Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Data Analysis System)
Discussion of Baseline Data:
Indicator 5, Figure 2 shows a point in time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 2004.
Oklahoma is above the national average for serving children with developmental delays under the age of one.
SoonerStart’s partner agencies, the ICC Public Awareness Committee and local SoonerStart sites efforts in public
awareness and child find activities has resulted in identification of eligible children. Overall, these figures indicate
that the SoonerStart program is serving above the national average.
Measurable and Rigorous Targets
Indicator 5, Figure 3 (Source: OSEP Data Analysis System; Measurable and Rigorous Targets)
Indicator 5: Comparison with Other States Using Narrow Eligibility Criteria
Infants and Toddlers Birth to 1 (2004)
1.2
0.8
1.7
1.6
0.7
0.6 0.6 0.6
0
0.9
Oklahoma Alaska North Dakota Montana Missouri Arizona District of
Columbia
Nevada
Percent of Population Served
National Baseline
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 26
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma will continue to strive to serve all children in need of early intervention services birth through the
age of one. Targets for 2010-2011 are 1.30% and 1.32% for 2011-2012.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. SoonerStart partner agencies will continue to work with the OSDH to refer all potentially eligible children on
the Birth Defect Registry (BDR) to SoonerStart.
B. SoonerStart partner agencies will continue to work with the OKDHS to make referrals from OKDHS smooth
and effective for children under the age of one, in foster care and in OKDHS custody.
C. SoonerStart partner agencies, the ICC and local early intervention sites will continue to engage in public
awareness activities that identify all eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities.
D. The OSDE will work on any needed revisions of SoonerStart Policies and Procedures upon receipt of final
federal regulations.
E. The Program Managers will continue to monitor the local early intervention sites public awareness plans and
activities to identify dissemination of public awareness materials and targeting healthcare and community
programs serving children under the age of one.
1.20 1.20 1.30 1.30 1.20 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.28 1.30 1.32 1.34
0.80 0.90 1.00 0.90 0.90 0.95
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 FFY
2005
(2005-
2006)
FFY
2006
(2006-
2007)
FFY
2007
(2007-
2008)
FFY
2008
(2008-
2009)
FFY
2009
(2009-
2010)
FFY
2010
(2010-
2011)
FFY
2011
(2011-
2012)
FFY
2012
(2012-
2013)
Indicator 5: Projected Trend for Infants and Toddlers Birth to 1
Percent of Population Served
Oklahoma National Baseline
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 27
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The stakeholders, which include representatives of parents, advocates, service providers, coordinators, educators,
and work groups involved with the SoonerStart program met to review SoonerStart’s data. The stakeholders agreed
that there is a statewide comprehensive and coordinated public awareness child find system. The stakeholders
recommended that the SoonerStart program continue to focus on getting local Head Start agreements in place. See
introduction and Indicator 5 for more details.
Monitoring Priority: Child Find 0-3
Indicator 6 - Percent of infants and toddlers birth to 3 with IFSPs compared to national data.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers birth to 3 with IFSPs) divided by the (population of infants and toddlers birth
to 3) times 100 compared to national data.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
OSDE, as lead agency, develops a public awareness program that focuses on early identification of children. OSDE
prepares and disseminates information to primary referral sources, especially hospitals and physicians, of
information to be given to parents. The public awareness plan includes a broad range of referral sources such as
homeless family shelters, clinics, and other heath service related offices, public schools and officials, and the child
welfare system.
SoonerStart’s public awareness program represents a strategy for promoting public acceptance and raising public
consciousness regarding children with disabilities and early intervention services. It is a systematic, continuous, and
purposeful communication activity, which uses multiple resources to inform groups and the public regarding these
issues. A primary focus is the early identification of children who are eligible to receive early intervention services.
The dissemination of information is coordinated through the state partner agency coordinators. SoonerStart partner
agency coordinators present at conferences and state meetings for Head Start, Indian health organizations, and
physicians to inform them about SoonerStart services. State coordinators serve on state tasks forces and committees
for disability issues and/or early childhood issues to ensure infants and toddlers with disabilities are represented and
collaborative child find and outreach activities are successful.
Referrals:
In SFY 2005, 36 percent of the referrals came from parents/caregivers, 34 percent of referrals were received from
medical providers, 16 percent were OKDHS referrals, and the remaining referrals came from other community
sources. This data indicates that public awareness and child find activities are reaching a variety of referral sources.
Every effort is being made to identify and serve all eligible children.
Child Count Data:
SFY 2000, Oklahoma’s Part C Child Count data indicated 1.75 percent of children born in Oklahoma, aged birth
through two, were served in the SoonerStart program. In 2001, 1.84 percent of children born in Oklahoma, aged
birth through two, were served and in 2002, 2.03 percent of children born in Oklahoma birth through two were
served. In addition, in 2003, 2.30 percent of children born in Oklahoma, aged birth through two were served.
Children Birth through 2 Receiving Early Intervention Services:
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 28
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 6, Figure 1 (Source NECTAC, OSEP and CIMP Report), Oklahoma SoonerStart Child Count
Indicator 6, Figure 1 shows a point in time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 2000-2003.
SoonerStart serves at or above the national average for children under the age of 3. SoonerStart’s public awareness
efforts are effectively reaching families with young children.
The SoonerStart program reports the number of infants and toddlers receiving services by race/ethnicity. Increases
can be attributed to slight population growth and increased public awareness efforts and outreach to minority and
marginalized populations.
Central Directory:
OASIS provides access to resource information through a searchable directory which is available on the OASIS
Web site. OASIS assists the SoonerStart program by providing one-on-one information and referral by telephone,
mail and email, taking relay calls from parents needing to get in touch with their resource coordinator or other early
intervention staff outside their dialing area. In addition to providing community resource information to
families/caregivers and service providers, OASIS also attended, exhibited and/or presented at a number of
conferences, workshops and events. During April 1-June 30, 2004, seven conferences were attended by OASIS
staff. Over 7,838 public awareness materials were distributed including OASIS, ORRN, SoonerStart brochures and
the Family Connections Newsletter.
MonitoringProcess:
Every year local early intervention sites create a public awareness plan specific to their local needs and document
child find activities. The data are collected using the SoonerStart QA Process that has a child find component that
monitors the local early intervention sites activities and plans. A local early intervention site must receive 85 percent
compliance rate on their quality assurance public awareness component. The SoonerStart QA Process indicates the
local early intervention teams are developing and implementing effective public awareness strategies. The
SoonerStart ICC Public Awareness Committee receives the quality assurance component data related to Public
Awareness/Central Directory and gives recommendations to the QA Team. The committee identifies possible
improvement strategies that could be useful with local public awareness plans and activity reports. Public
awareness materials are also reviewed by the ICC Public Awareness Committee. The Publication Committee works
with the SoonerStart partner agencies to help create public awareness materials and distribution.
Birth Defect Registry (BDR):
The Birth Defect Registry has redesigned its data collection and reporting system during SFY2003 and 2004. In
order to evaluate the referral process, SoonerStart is in the process of matching the Birth Defects and SoonerStart
databases for the years 1999-2003. This allows partner agencies to track matches and mismatches referrals received
from the Birth Defect Registry. Currently the BDR abstractors go through the child’s birth records. They note
whether the child qualifies for SoonerStart or is already enrolled in the program. If the child qualifies and isn’t
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2003
1.75 1.84 2.03
2.3 National Average
2.18
Percent of Children
Birth to 2
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 29
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
enrolled, then they send a referral letter to the local early intervention site. A researcher from the ICC evaluation
committee is currently working with the Departments of Education and Health to streamline the referral process
from the Birth Defect Registry (BDR) to SoonerStart.
Sooner Success:
SoonerStart agency coordinators participate with the University of Oklahoma to implement the State Unified
Children’s Comprehensive Exemplary Services for Special Needs (Sooner Success). Sooner Success is a model
development project begun through the collaboration of families of children with special needs with the State
Departments of Education, Health, Human Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Oklahoma
Health Care Authority, Center for Learning and Leadership, University Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities and is lead by the Child Study Center at the University of Oklahoma. The project is working toward a
strong comprehensive, unified system of health, social and educational services supporting children and youth with
special needs and their families.
Medical Home:
SoonerStart is involved with Oklahoma’s Medical Home initiative. This multiagency initiative involves providing
support to develop a medical home for Medicaid eligible children. Within this project, SoonerStart is working with
local staff to increase the understanding of the role of the medical home in the coordination of care that is vital to
effective collaboration between early intervention and medical services. This model promotes coordinated, effective
communication between all professionals providing services to children.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (PL 108-36):
SoonerStart partner agencies are facilitating the development of state policies and procedures to ensure coordinated,
timely referral of all children identified by the state for substantiated abuse, neglect, or substance abuse.
Public Awareness/Child Find:
The ICC Public Awareness Committee meets quarterly for the purpose of reviewing brochures, publications and
public awareness plans and activities for local SoonerStart early intervention sites. During SFY 2004, a
subcommittee was formed to assist the ICC with the validity, utilization and availability of SoonerStart brochures,
publications and forms. The publications committee meets monthly with representative from each agency. The
committee members meet with OKDHS publications artist who reviews the brochures and makes suggestions
regarding logos, font, colors and production process to enhance visual quality of brochures and display boards. All
materials are currently analyzed for content relevance and cultural and family sensitivity. The SoonerStart logo was
revised and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) brochure was created by the publications committee and
disseminated throughout the state. Additionally, the NICU support director has joined the committee to help with
publications and child find.
In SFY 2003, the SoonerStart NICU subcommittee was created. Several SoonerStart partner agencies are involved
as well as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Neonatal Parents Network. The subcommittee developed a
transition process from NICU to SoonerStart. The subcommittee introduced this transition process to the ICC Public
Awareness Committee and training for regional and resource coordinators was provided through the SoonerStart
STARS. Currently regional and resource coordinators meet with families referred to SoonerStart whose newborns
are in intensive care at the NICU before the infant is released.
Partner agency coordinators present at conferences and state meetings for Head Start, Indian Health Organizations,
and physicians to inform them about SoonerStart services. Partner agency coordinators serve on state tasks forces
and committees for disability issues and/or early childhood issues to ensure infants and toddlers with disabilities are
represented and collaborative child find and outreach activities are successful.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 30
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 6, Figure 4 (Source U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Data Analysis
System)
Discussion of Baseline Data:
Indicator 6, Figure 4 shows a point-in-time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 2004. The table
shows Oklahoma is serving 2.04 percent of the birth through two populations of 147,755. In SFY 2004, SoonerStart
served 3,013 infants and toddlers on IFSPs. Figure 4 Part C eligibility criteria is a ranking by OSEP placing
Oklahoma in the narrow category and shows the percentages of population served. The narrow average is 1.95
percent of the population served. Overall, these figures indicate that the percentage of eligible infants with
developmental delays birth through two is receiving SoonerStart services are comparable to state and national data.
Measurable and Rigorous Target:
Indicator 6, Figure 5 (Source OSEP Data Analysis Report), measurable and rigorous targets
Indicator 6: Comparison with Other States Using Narrow Eligibility Criteria
Infants and Toddlers Birth to 3 (2004)
2.04 2.02
2.8
2.13
1.53 1.54
1.3 1.3
0
2.24
Oklahoma Alaska North Dakota Montana Missouri Arizona District of
Columbia
Nevada
Percent of Population Served
Narrow Eligibility Baseline 1.95
National Baseline 2.24
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 31
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma will continue to strive to serve all children in need of early intervention services birth through the
age of two. Targets for 2010-2011 are 2.20% and 2.20% for 2011-2012
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. The OSDE will work on any needed revisions of SoonerStart Policies and Procedures upon receipt of final
federal regulations.
B. The Program Managers will continue to monitor the local early intervention sites public awareness plans and
activities to identify dissemination of public awareness materials and targeting healthcare and community
programs serving children under the age of three.
C. SoonerStart partner agencies, the ICC and local early intervention sites will continue to engage in public
awareness activities that identify all eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities.
D. SoonerStart partner agencies will continue to work with the OKDHS to make referrals from OKDHS smooth
and effective for children under the age of one, in foster care and in OKDHS custody.
E.
1.70 1.80 2.00 2.30 2.00 2.05 2.10 2.10 2.15 2.15 2.20 2.20 2.25
1.80
2.00
2.20 2.20 2.20 2.34
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 FFY
2005
(2005-
2006)
FFY
2006
(2006-
2007)
FFY
2007
(2007-
2008)
FFY
2008
(2008-
2009)
FFY
2009
(2009-
2010)
FFY
2010
(2010-
2011)
FFY
2011
(2011-
2012)
FFY
2012
(2012-
2013)
Indicator 6: Projected Trend for Infants and Toddlers Birth to 3
Percent of Population Served
Oklahoma National Baseline
Indicator 7 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 7: 45-Day Timeline - Page 32
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The OSDE-SES has worked with the ICC members along with other stakeholders to create a SPP that improves the
state’s accountability and supports improved results that are data driven and focus on family and child outcomes.
The QA Team and stakeholders, analyzed the 45-day timeline data, identified key errors with the data collection,
and made recommendations to eliminate SoonerStart sites record reviews that were not considered valid data to
include in the analysis. The stakeholders agreed that 45-day timeline is not a systemic issue for the SoonerStart
program. See introduction and Indicator 1 for more details of stakeholder activities and public dissemination of the
SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: 45-Day Timeline
Indicator 7: Percent of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs for whom an evaluation and assessment and an
initial IFSP meeting were conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs for whom an evaluation and assessment and an initial
IFSP meeting was conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline) divided by (# of eligible infants and toddlers
evaluated and assessed for whom an initial IFSP meeting was required to be conducted) times 100.
Account for untimely evaluations, assessments, and initial IFSP meetings, including the reasons for delays.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a process in which families, resource coordinators, and service
providers are partners.
Resource coordinators and service providers assist families in identifying the strengths and needs of their child and
family through discussions, evaluations and assessments. Based on the strengths and needs identified by the
families, resource coordinators and service providers inform families about the early intervention program services.
Families then determine which services will help meet their identified needs. Together families, resource
coordinators and service providers develop a plan of action for initiating services. Once services have been
implemented, ongoing communication and assessment are necessary to ensure that services continue to meet the
changing needs of children and families.
Sensitivity and flexibility is extended to individual families involved in the IFSP process. Resource coordinators and
service providers acknowledge and respect differences in family structures in order to build on the strengths that
families bring with them to this process.
Each child receives a multidisciplinary evaluation in natural environments.
In SFY 2005, the QA Team asks local sites to collect actual days from the date of referral to the initial IFSP
meeting. A total of 22 SoonerStart sites responded to the request and submitted this information along with their
self assessment report. Data indicates that the average number of days for SoonerStart sites was 47 days from the
referral to the initial IFSP. The median number of days from the referral to the initial IFSP was 43 days. The
circumstances preventing compliance with the 45-day timeline were hospitalization, family cancellations, no shows,
trainings, scheduling around the family’s needs, families not ready to receive services, lost contact with the family,
weather, and systems reasons. Tracking the average and median numbers of days from the referral helps the QA
Team better identify and address system wide deficiencies and issues affecting SoonerStart.
Indicator 7 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 7: 45-Day Timeline - Page 33
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 7, Figure 1 (Source: SFY 2001-2005 data)
In SFY 2001, the SoonerStart partner agencies compared 26 SoonerStart sites sample data. This data did not take
into consideration reasons for the IFSP delay. The QA Team was not able to compare all 26 SoonerStart sites
monitoring data in FFY 2002 due to the timelines of the APR. There were five monitoring sites completed by the
QA Team prior to the APR that identified 89 percent of IFSP were conducted within the 45-day timeline, up from 61
percent in the SFY 2001 APR. In SFY 2003, the SoonerStart QA Team randomly selected one urban site and three
rural sites to analyze the circumstances preventing compliance with the 45-day timeline, percent of compliance and
the actual days for these families for the initial IFSP meeting to be held. When taking into consideration family and
systems reasons the urban site scored 96 percent compliance with meeting IFSP timelines and the three rural sites
scored 93 percent to 100 percent compliance with the 45-day timeline using the quality assurance indicator. In
addition to state monitoring, SoonerStart implemented a pilot project to better meet the State’s 45-day timeline for
initial IFSPs utilizing an urban site which served a monthly caseload of over 800 children. In calendar year 2003, a
total of 83 percent of the SoonerStart records reviewed from Tulsa County met the 45-day timeline. According to the
pilot project data analyses in calendar year 2004, Tulsa County identified 99 percent of the records reviewed met the
45-day timelines. As a result of the urban IFSP pilot project, 45-day timelines have greatly increased. The
information gathered from this pilot indicated that the changes in the initial IFSP and review process can make a
difference in meeting timelines. Modifications to the initial IFSP and review process will enable the local early
intervention sites to better meet the IFSP timeline. OSDE modified the IFSP form and review process in SFY 2005.
During SFY 2005, IFSP training modules were revised and updated to ensure that the most current guidelines are
being used by all SoonerStart teams. By the end of April 2005 all SoonerStart teams were trained to use the revised
IFSP form. Full implementation was May 1, 2005.
In addition to state monitoring, several statewide meetings are held on a regular basis to identify deficiencies and
statewide problems in the delivery of Part C services. State level Part C agency partners from OSDH, DHS, OSDE,
OHCA, ICC, and OUHSC, meet monthly to identify systemic and local issues. Quarterly, regional coordinators,
technical supervisors and lead clinicians meet with the SoonerStart partner agencies to identify and address any
possible system-wide deficiencies and issues affecting SoonerStart.
Indicator 7: Historical Picture of 45-day timeline
61%
89%
96%
99%
88%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Percent Compliance
Indicator 7 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 7: 45-Day Timeline - Page 34
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
SoonerStart partner agencies reviewed evaluation and assessment tools and made recommendations for the most
appropriate tools to use for identifying child and family needs.
SoonerStart partner agencies provided statewide and local training, including STARS, to families/care providers,
community providers, and early intervention staff about family-centered support services, resources, and strategies
to meet the family and child needs.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
In FFY 2004, 503 of 571 (88.09%) eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs had an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
In FFY 2004, SoonerStart did not collect information regarding the reason for delays (but has modified the data
collection system to provide this information beginning in FFY 2005). SoonerStart is dedicated to providing
complete and accurate data to provide to the OSEP, including information regarding the documentation of delays in
the 45-day timeline. Among other steps to correct the noncompliance (including corrective action plans from each
noncompliant local SoonerStart site), the QA Stakeholders recommended that the 45-day timeline become a focused
monitoring priority area for FFY 2005.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Targets
2005
(2005-2006)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2006
(2006-2007)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2007
(2007-2008)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2008
(2008-2009)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2009
(2009-2010)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2010
(2010-2011)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2011
(2011-2012
100% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2012
(2012-2013
100% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A.
B. Findings from the Comprehensive Desk Audit will be used to identity technical assistance, training, corrective
action plans, and positive recognition.
C. The local SoonerStart team leaders will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the evaluation and IFSPs
process on an ongoing basis and consistently use the data to make program changes.
The SoonerStart Part C partner agencies will continue to provide IFSP training.
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 35
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The QA Stakeholders met October 4, 2005 to discuss the SoonerStart QA data and make recommendations for
measurable and rigorous targets. Overall, SoonerStart QA Team provided data that will enable the program to
determine the degree to which Indicator 8 was being achieved. It was determined by the QA Stakeholders that a few
of the transition questions asked on the QA document needed to be more clear for data collection and to match the
OSEP measurement. The QA Team and Stakeholders, analyzed Indicator 8 baseline data, identified key errors with
the data collection, and made recommendations to eliminate SoonerStart sites record reviews that were not
considered valid data to include in the analysis. The Stakeholders agreed that timely transition planning to support
the child’s transition to preschool and other appropriate community services by their third birthday is not a systemic
issue for the SoonerStart program. See introduction and Indicator 1 for more details regarding Stakeholder
involvement and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Transition
Indicator 8 - Percent of all children exiting Part C who received timely transition planning to support the child’s
transition to preschool and other appropriate community services by their third birthday including:
A. IFSPs with transition steps and services
B. Notification to LEA, if child potentially eligible for Part B: and
C. Transition conference, if child potentially eligible for Part B.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
A. Percent = # of children exiting Part C who have an IFSP with transition steps and services divided by #
of children exiting Part C times 100.
B. Percent = # of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B where notification to the LEA
occurred divided by the # of children exiting Part C who were potentially eligible for Part B times 100.
C. Percent = # of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B where the transition conference
occurred divided by the # of children exiting Part C who were potentially eligible for Part B times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
The Transition at Age Three: Steps for Success Transition Guide was developed to support families, the SoonerStart
early intervention program, schools, and community programs in meeting the federal and state requirements under
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 for transition of children at age three.
This serves as a practical guide identifying state and federal policies and procedures to support families, the
SoonerStart early intervention program, schools and community programs in smooth and effective transitions for
Oklahoma’s children with developmental delays as they reach their third birthday. It provides guiding principles,
recommended practices, and tools to promote smooth and effective transitions. The guide also serves to encourage
practices that will reflect a home, school, and community partnership to benefit all concerned – the family and child,
the SoonerStart early intervention program, local schools, and, ultimately, the community at large.
The SoonerStart team is required to complete a transition evaluation and a current assessment of the child’s present
levels of functioning to assist in a smooth and effective transition, whether or not the family chooses to be referred
to the local school for Part B services.
As a means of preparing for transition, SoonerStart and the family create an individualized plan that includes
transition activities, visiting programs, addressing any remaining equipment that the child may need for the future,
and identify community resources. Many families like to visit community preschools, Head Starts, child care
centers, and preschools located in public schools when thinking about transition. From July 2004 through March
2005, STARS has provided four statewide trainings specific to transition and IEP development for parent/caregivers,
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 36
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
SoonerStart staff, school staff, and other community service providers. A total of 25 school districts participated in
the STARS trainings.
According to a report by the family services coordinator, transition training was conducted through the SPAN
curriculum and mentorship program for 12 families during this fiscal year. SoonerStart family services coordinator
consulted with 6 trained mentors and 6 families, who also received mentorship, through the transition period. There
were a total 300 families who participated in the SPAN training and received transition support, information and
educational materials.
Analysis of the data indicates that information gathered from the family survey demonstrates SoonerStart families
feel they are receiving the supports, services and resources necessary to provide a smooth and effective transition
from the SoonerStart program. See Indicator 1 for further information regarding the SoonerStart Part C Survey.
Quality Assurance Process:
The design of the SoonerStart quality assurance process provides for continuous improvement though ongoing
planning, implementation analysis, and evaluation of the SoonerStart program to improve results for infants and
toddlers and their families in Oklahoma. The methodology for record selection is identified in Indicator 1 of this
document.
Quality assurance process questions for measuring transition compliance:
Program Questions
Transition plan was initiated 6 to 12 months prior to the child’s 3rd birthday for children receiving SoonerStart
services prior to the age of 30 months.
Early Intervention information was sent to the LEA in a timely manner for planning of the transition planning
conference. Timeliness is defined as two weeks prior to the Transition Planning Conference (TPC).
Transition evaluation and assessment was completed by 24-32 months of age for children receiving services prior
to 32 months of age using the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) in all five domains.
Records reflect documentation of the IFSP team discussing the transition process with the family before writing
the transition plan.
IFSP team assisted the family in identifying a range of options and community resources.
The IFSP reflect individualized outcomes for the transition.
Parent consent for referral was obtained if the parent desired further services.
Indicator 8, Table 1(Source: SFY 2005 SoonerStart Comprehensive Quality Assurance Process)
In SFY 2005, 25 local SoonerStart early intervention sites conducted a self assessment using the SoonerStart QA
Process to gather data. The SoonerStart records indicated that the transition plan was initiated 6 to 12 months prior
to the child’s 3rd birthday for children receiving SoonerStart services prior to the age of 32 months is in compliance.
The transition identified reasons why the Transition Planning Conference (TPC) with possible receiving agencies
were not within the 90 day timeline. Reasonable efforts were documented to convene a conference among the
SoonerStart program, the family, and Part B. Some of the reasons that prevented timely 90-day TPCs were:
 Cancellations
 No shows
 Weather
 Child illness
 Hospitalization
 Summer birthdates
 Scheduling challenges
 Parent consent
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 37
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
 Parent not ready to meet with the LEA
The SoonerStart QA Team changed the quality assurance transition questions. The transition program questions
were separated into late referrals, transitioning to Part B, transitioning to community programs, and identifying the
reasons why the TPCs did not happen within the 90-day timeline. The records reflected that the resource
coordinator attempted to initiate TPCs with the family, LEA, and community programs in a timely manner. This
process clearly documents implementation of transition specific performance and compliance requirements. It is
important to note, in Oklahoma, the QA process for gathering transition data is different than the identified OSEP
measurement. The SoonerStart QA measurement is identified in Indicator 8, Table 1.
Part B 619 coordinator works with the Part C program as an interagency partner. The Part B 619 provides funding
to support transition trainings for SoonerStart early intervention staff, family/caregivers, Part B staff, and other
community service providers.
In SFY 2004, through the public awareness component of the SoonerStart quality assurance process, local early
intervention sites must have Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) on file for local community services such as
Head Start. Out of the 26 SoonerStart early intervention sites, four sites received cautions regarding the lack of
having agreements in place with local Head Starts. In SFY 2005, all 26 SoonerStart sites had MOUs with Head Start
or the documentation that supported the attempt to have MOUs.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
A. 353 of 401 (88.03%) of children exiting Part C had an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 199 of 227 (87.67%) of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B had notification to the
LEA.
C. 195 of 227 (85.90%) of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B had a transition
conference.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
SoonerStart QA Team reviewed the self-assessment data submitted by 26 early intervention sites. SoonerStart’s QA
measurement of Indicator 8 reflects data were analyzed to evaluate the quality of the data and to investigate the
ability to collect data that measures IFSP with a transition plan in place 6 months prior to the child turning three,
where notification to the LEA occurred of children exiting Part C two weeks prior to the scheduling of the 90-day
TPC, and where the 9 day TPC occurred. Individual monitoring tools were used by the lead clinician and regional
coordinator from each site. The QA Team reviewed the SoonerStart’s sites self assessment data and concluded that
some teams did not follow the QA guidelines for collecting data.
SoonerStart’s goal is to develop a standard method to select records from sites that minimize sampling errors and
variation yet contribute to describing the state’s early intervention program. The QA Team discovered that some of
the SoonerStart sites record reviews could not be considered valid data to include in the analysis. Taking into
consideration types of errors associated with the QA process were:
 Individuals abstracting data and transferring data onto tally sheets
 Staff interpretation of what needs to be abstracted from the record
 Data errors
 Missing data
 Incorrect or outdated individual monitoring tools
 Staff shortages
 Changes in leadership
 Following instructions of the QA procedures
 Random sample contained records prior to the completion of the sites corrective action plan.
These results were presented to the SoonerStart QA Stakeholders. Upon their recommendations, five sites were
eliminated from the QA analysis for the state and were identified for technical assistance by the QA Team. These
five outlier sites do not represent the typical process for SoonerStart. The five sites are considered to be outside the
norm. After evaluating for accuracy by checking and correcting data entry errors, the QA Team believes that
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 38
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 8, Figure 1, with outliers removed, is the best representation of Oklahoma’s SoonerStart performance with
this indicator. When the SoonerStart QA process was conducted Oklahoma did not have the OSEP Indicator 8
measurement. Because of the difference in the SoonerStart QA and OSEP measurement the varying data collection
method may reflect a lower score for Oklahoma. The SoonerStart program does not identify systemic
noncompliance with transition.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Targets
2005
(2005-2006)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2006
(2006-2007)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2007
(2007-2008)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2008
(2008-2009)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2009
(2009-2010)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2010
(2010-2011)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2011
(2011-2012)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. .
B. The OSDE will work on any needed revisions of SoonerStart Policies and Procedures upon receipt of final
federal regulations.
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 39
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
C. The Transition at Age Three: Steps for Success Transition Guide will be revised to include the new statute and
federal regulations to reinforce the policy that resource coordinators and service providers are responsible for
helping families with children who are and are not eligible for Part B services find appropriate services.
D. SoonerStart will continue to provide training and information available at the state, regional, and local level to
all families/care providers, resource coordinators, regional coordinators, service providers, staff, LEAs, and
community providers on the topic of transition.
E. .
F. The Section 619 Preschool Coordinator will provide 5 trainings across Oklahoma on Transition. SoonerStart
sites and local school districts will be trained together to help promote local partnerships. This training is
mandatory for all SoonerStart staff.
G. OSDE-SES will send out a clarification memo to both Part B and C staff regarding the recent guidance
received from OSEP regarding transition.
H. OSDE-SES will evaluate data to investigate the SoonerStart sites that are having challenges with this indicator
and provide that site targeted technical assistance and training.
I. OSDE-SES will consider developing a tool kit for SoonerStart sites to use when working on transition.
Indicator 9 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 9: Timely Correction of Noncompliance - Page 40
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
SoonerStart partner agencies met with the National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring
(NCSEAM) to complete a self-assessment focused monitoring implementation checklist, develop a work plan for
Oklahoma Part C and scheduled a Stakeholder meeting. October 26, 2004 was Part C’s first SoonerStart
Stakeholder Committee meeting. A total of 35 people were invited. The Stakeholder Committee reviewed data
from the quality assurance activities to evaluate the process and to make recommendations for enhancement. The
SoonerStart Stakeholder Committee meets biannually to review existing monitoring data, the QA Reports, APR, and
program indicators to identify needed changes in the system and identify strategies that will assist the SoonerStart
program to move towards a more focused monitoring process.
The OSDE-SES will make available and report statewide data to the public regarding progress and/or slippage in
meeting the measurable and rigorous targets identified in the SPP. In addition, the state will report disaggregated
data based on the performance of each SoonerStart site on the targets in the SPP. The OSDE-SES will deliver the
SPP electronically to all SoonerStart sites, local health department administrators, ICC, and the QA and SPP
Stakeholder Group. The SPP will be posted on the OSDE-SES Web site <www.sde.state.ok.us> for public viewing
and will be shared at open public meetings such as the ICC Committee meeting, Program Evaluation Committee
meeting, QA Stakeholders Committee, State Superintendent’s Special Education Conference, and SoonerStart Team
Leader meeting.
Monitoring Priority: General Supervision
Indicator 9 - General supervision system (including monitoring, complaints, hearings, etc.) identifies and corrects
noncompliance as soon as possible but in no case later than one year from identification.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent of noncompliance corrected within one year of identification:
a. # of findings of noncompliance.
b. # of corrections completed as soon as possible but in no case later than one year from identification.
Percent = b divided by a times 100
For any noncompliance not corrected within one year of identification, describe what actions, including technical
assistance and/or enforcement that the State has taken.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
SoonerStart implemented a new monitoring system in FFY 2009-2010. This included the development of new
monitoring procedures, timelines, reports, and tools. Oklahoma has three types of monitoring; 1)
Comprehensive Desk Audit Compliance Review of all 26 SoonerStart sites every year, 2) Focused Monitoring,
and 3) Concern Specific Monitoring. OSDE-SES hired two Program Managers to develop and implement the
new system. The Program Managers are responsible for all three types of monitoring, corrective action plan
monitoring, training and technical assistance. Each Program Manager oversees 13 sites,
The Comprehensive Desk Audit Compliance Review is completed in September through October of each
year. This audit includes data verification and validation of all IFSPs and Transitions completed in the
previous state fiscal year. The focus of this audit is to provide reliable and valid data for APR development.
Therefore data for indicators, 1, 7, 8 and 9 are reviewed for compliance. In August of each year the Data
Analysis Specialist pulls the data from our online data system and reviews it for compliance. All charts that
are out of compliance are reviewed at the local level for exceptional family circumstances and other reasons
for not meeting timelines by the Program Managers. This information is then provided back to the Data
Indicator 9 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 9: Timely Correction of Noncompliance - Page 41
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Analysis Specialist to calculate the level of compliance for the state. The Data Analysis Specialist uses this
data to develop the SoonerStart Data Profiles, which are used to issue findings to sites. The Program
Managers work with each site’s team leaders to develop local corrective action plans after the profiles are
provided

Introduction Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Introduction – Page 1__
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2012
Introduction
The Oklahoma Early Intervention Act has designated the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) Special
Education Services (SES), as the lead agency for administration of the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program.
OSDE-SES is responsible for monitoring progress and providing oversight in the administration of early
intervention services for infants and toddlers, and their families to ensure that the intent of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is achieved in Oklahoma. Oversight by the OSDE-SES includes the use of
various processes for accountability. The OSDE-SES collects both compliance and performance data for the SPP
and revised the SPP by extending the targets and revising the improvement activities. During FFY 2009-2010,
OSDE only had 58 dedicated Resource Coordinators and 8 Regional Coordinators based in county health
departments and SoonerStart offices. This is a shortage of 27 service coordinators.In accordance with the
Oklahoma Early Intervention Act, annual contracts and interagency agreements have been established with the
Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) for the provision of statewide early intervention services. In SFY
2006, 254 personnel were dedicated to the provision of early intervention services, based in local county health
departments and SoonerStart offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Additional contracts are developed with local
providers for services that exceed the capacity of local early intervention teams. Recruitment and retention of
qualified personnel is a priority of the program and the OSDH is taking action on an ongoing basis to address this
priority. In FFY 2009-2010, OSDH lost several staff to voluntary buy out retirement offered due to budget
shortfalls, as of June 2010 OSDH had only 189 staff members. This is a shortage of 65 staff statewide.
The Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (PL 108-36) reauthorized the Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act (CAPTA). In response to the mandate in that law to ensure that abused and neglected infants and
toddlers have access to early intervention services, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) and
SoonerStart have developed complimentary procedures for referring and screening all children under age three
involved in substantiated abuse and neglect. Required OKDHS referrals to SoonerStart Early Intervention Services
began in January 2005, increasing the number of infants and toddlers seen and the complexity of problems
addressed by SoonerStart. Infants and toddlers who suffer abuse or neglect are more likely than other children to
experience developmental delay requiring early intervention services. SoonerStart will continue increased
collaboration with OKDHS and other agencies to address the needs of Oklahoma’s youngest victims of abuse and
neglect.
Oklahoma’s focus on infant mental health has grown dramatically in the past 25 years. The collaborative
partnership established with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and the
SoonerStart program enhances a multidisciplinary effort to address the well-being of infants and toddlers. The ICC
Mental Health Committee, chaired by the ODMHSAS, is a very important link between the efforts and goals of the
SoonerStart program and the Partnership for Children’s Behavioral Health. The Partnership for Children’s
Behavioral Health consists of the heads of the state’s eight child-serving agencies, five family members, a senator,
and a representative. The goal of the Partnership is to create a unified and integrated behavioral health services
system for all children, youth, and their families. The ICC Mental Health Committee is working to ensure healthy
social and emotional development of infants in the context of family, community and cultural expectations.
By working in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), a joint monitoring process
maximizes accountability and federal cost-sharing for services performed by SoonerStart early intervention staff.
Reimbursable services, identified in the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan, may include case management,
evaluation, assessment, and therapies that are covered under Oklahoma’s Medicaid Plan.
A personnel development component, the Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) program, coordinated
by the Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center,
provides training and technical assistance for SoonerStart. Each year, STARS offers over 50 professional
development trainings for SoonerStart staff, public school special education personnel and family members. STARS
training focuses on service coordination and service delivery within home and community settings in order to
enhance each family’s capacity to meet the developmental needs of their child. The STARS contract with the
OSDE-SES has been dissolved due to budget cuts, therefore OSDE-SES has assumed the role of all personnel
development activities.
Introduction Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Introduction �� Page 2__
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
The mission of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) is to improve services to children by
facilitating joint planning and coordination among public and private agencies. It is the responsibility of the OCCY
to administer the ICC, which in turn advises and assists the OSDE-SES in fulfillment of its responsibilities. Through
the ICC, OCCY works collaboratively with SoonerStart partners and other early childhood entities to improve
services for Oklahoma’s infants and toddlers. OCCY is committed to assuring that all eligible infants and toddlers
and their families receive and benefit from high quality services that address their unique needs.
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development
As required by federal law, the function of the ICC is to advise and assist the OSDE-SES in fulfillment of its lead
agency responsibilities. The ICC and its subcommittees work with OSDE-SES and the SoonerStart partner agencies
to analyze SoonerStart’s data.
The ICC has been actively involved in every phase of the development of the SPP.. A significant portion of the
ICC agenda addresses the reauthorization of IDEA, the SoonerStart Quality Assurance (QA) Process and reports, the
SoonerStart Annual Performance Report (APR), the review SPP recommended indicators, and data as related to the
SPP/APR. SoonerStart Interagency Quality Assurance Team (QA Team) provided the Council with the self-assessment
data from the 26 local early intervention sites. The FFY 2006 SoonerStart QA Report was disseminated
along with SoonerStart Data Profiles to all 26 sites. SoonerStart SPP/APR Stakeholders were scheduled to meet two
times in the fall of 2007 to review the data and make revisions if necessary. The first date set was for December 21,
2007, but had to be canceled due to anticipated bad weather for the entire State of Oklahoma. The next Stakeholder
meeting was held on January 17, 2008. The SPP/APR was also presented to the ICC on January 4, 2008, during a
special meeting. The final document was sent to the ICC chair for final approval on January 25, 2008. The
Stakeholder committee includes parents, advocates, service providers, coordinators, OSDE-SES staff, and special
educators.
. The QA Team provided the ICC and the QA Stakeholders a copy of the FFY 2006-2007 SoonerStart QA Summary
Report. This report contained information regarding each local early intervention team’s quality assurance site visit.
A summary of the state’s results was disseminated to the SoonerStart Stakeholder Committee, ICC, partner
agencies, and local early intervention teams, ICC Policy and Funding Committee, and the ICC Program Evaluation
Committee for analysis and was posted on the OSDE Web site. SoonerStart partner agencies and the ICC Program
Evaluation Committee continue to gather local self-assessment monitoring data to analyze current service delivery
practices to develop approaches, as needed, to promote ongoing, timely delivery of services in natural environments.
Oklahoma implemented a new monitoring process in FFY 2009-2010. Two of the Regional Coordinator positions
were converted to Program Manager Positions. The focus of these two new positions was to develop new
monitoring procedures, monitoring tools, and to provide technical assistance and training to local sites. The
program managers each have 13 sites to oversee. These two positions have improved the data collection process and
are available to teams for local site visits to provide training or technical assistance with very little wait time. See
indicator 9 for a complete description of the new process.
The OSDE has worked with the ICC members along with other Stakeholders to create a SPP that improves the
state’s accountability and supports improved results that are data driven and focus on child outcomes.
The ICC and QA Stakeholders have provided guidance and diverse perspectives in addressing the desired outcomes,
baseline data, and prioritized improvement strategies to address the identified monitoring priorities, as well as
timelines for verification of improvement This new accountability focus is a model for systems improvement that
engages agency partners and SoonerStart Stakeholders in ongoing self-assessment and continuous improvement that
is data-driven and focused on progress toward outcomes, as well as regulatory compliance.
The OSDE-SES will continue to make available and report statewide data to the public regarding progress and/or
slippage in meeting the measurable and rigorous targets identified in the SPP. In addition, the state will report
disaggregated data based on the performance of each SoonerStart site on the targets in the SPP. The OSDE-SES
will deliver the SPP electronically to all the SoonerStart sites, local health department administrators, the ICC, and
SPP Stakeholders, The SPP will be posted on the OSDE-SES Web site for public viewing
Introduction Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Introduction – Page 3__
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
and will be shared at open public meetings such as the ICC, SPP Stakeholders, and State Superintendent’s Special
Education Conference.
On December 15, 2010, the OSDE-SES with the assistance of the Southeastern Regional Resource Center presented
Oklahoma’s current data and received input and feedback regarding setting targets for 2010-2012. Revised and
extended targets can be found throughout this revised document.
Monitoring Priority: Timely Services
Indicator 1 - Percent of infants and toddlers with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) who receive the
early intervention services on their IFSPs in a timely manner.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 4
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who receive the early intervention services on their IFSPs in a
timely manner) divided by the total # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs times 100.
Account for untimely receipt of services.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
OSDE ensures that a written IFSP will be developed for each eligible child and family in accordance with IDEA and
must be developed jointly by the family and appropriate qualified personnel involved in the provision of early
intervention services.
Oklahoma has an established commitment through policies and procedures to provide timely coordinated services to
infants and toddlers and their families by assigning a service coordinator to the family within two days of the
SoonerStart referral. Within two days of receiving a referral at the early intervention site, a resource coordinator is
assigned to provide service coordination to assist and enable the family. The resource coordinator contacts the
family to complete an initial visit to conduct a timely family interview and a developmental screening within ten
working days from the day of the referral. The resource coordinator provides information about parental rights,
available services and other resources. Throughout the continuum of early intervention services, the resource
coordinator continues to coordinate and monitor early intervention and other appropriate services as well as
assessing family needs. The purpose of the two day assignment and the ten day family interview guidelines is to
establish a timely foundation that will assist with the state’s timelines.
Orientation to the IFSP process is conducted by the resource coordinator. Families receive information about the
SoonerStart program including; parent rights, family-centered philosophy, practices, core values, the participation of
families in all parts of the process, and the collaboration and partnership in a dynamic decision-making process that
enables families to choose the level and nature of early intervention services in their lives.
SoonerStart Quality Assurance Process:
In SFY 2004, the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program implemented a new continuous improvement, data-driven,
quantitative, performance-based quality assurance process. The process was designed to hold local SoonerStart
early intervention teams accountable to a set of program standards that will result in a more defined, accountable and
documented system of compliance and best practices. This process ties into the United States Department of
Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Continuous Improvement Planning Process (CIMP) and
SoonerStart’s SPP. The design of the process provides for continuous improvement through ongoing planning,
implementation analysis, and evaluation of the QA Process to improve results for infants and toddlers and their
families in Oklahoma. Revised self-assessment monitoring systems have been in place since 2000 with 11 regional
early intervention sites and 16 satellite sites completing their monitoring process annually and identifying trends in
compliance. In calendar year 2004, the SoonerStart program was reorganized into ten regions containing regional
and resource coordinators assessing and facilitating the services for each SoonerStart child.
In SFY 2004 and SFY 2005, 26 early intervention sites conducted self-assessment monitoring using the state’s QA
Process. The methodology for record selection consisted of a random sample of at least 10 percent of the caseload
or 15 records, whichever was greater, and generated by OSDE from the early intervention database for each local
early intervention team. Records were selected based on the following criteria:
 No children who were in the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program for less than 12 months were included
 No children who exited the program more than 12 months ago were included
 66.66 percent of the records to be reviewed were “open records”
 33.33 percent of the records to be reviewed were “closed records”
The annual local self-assessment process includes monitoring instruments that identify IDEA Part C compliance
through the use of single record review worksheets, team member surveys, local public awareness/child find plans,
team development plans, Part C database reports, caregiver concern worksheets, and corrective action plans for the
upcoming year. The regional coordinator facilitates the local monitoring process by working with the local
leadership team for each team in her/his region. The local leadership team includes the regional coordinator (or
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 5
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
designee), county health department administrator, lead clinician, records consultants, and technical supervisors. It
is the responsibility of the leadership team to complete the local self assessment process, for the annual monitoring
report and portfolio. This includes working with the team to develop a corrective action plan to address state or
federal noncompliance issues and a team development plan to address best practice issues. These plans are
submitted to the OSDE. In addition, OSDE tracks the teams corrective action plans, assist teams with the
development of their plans, conducts trainings, and provides support.
The design of the SoonerStart QA Process provides for continuous improvement through ongoing planning,
implementation analyses, and evaluation of the SoonerStart early intervention sites to improve results for infants and
toddlers and their families in Oklahoma. The SoonerStart QA Process includes procedural safeguard indicators that
measure compliance. Procedural safeguard indicators identify timely contact with family/caregivers, investigations
and resolution completed in the timeframe identified through the SoonerStart policies and procedures.
Implementation of the SoonerStart QA Process has provided evidence of change and continuous improvement.
The SoonerStart QA Report indicates families have access to a resource coordinator who facilitates ongoing, timely
services. The SoonerStart QA Report and the Part C Family Survey indicate a high percentage of families/caregivers
are satisfied with service coordination and supports they received.
The SoonerStart QA Process reflects the evaluation and assessment conducted, results in the identification of all
infant and toddlers needs and related family needs. Data shows that the appropriate multidisciplinary team members
evaluate the child for eligibility purposes and assess for individual needs. The multidisciplinary evaluation team
includes no less than two service providers with different educational backgrounds and includes parents/caregivers
as valuable team members. Immediately after the evaluation procedures have been completed, the multidisciplinary
evaluation teams, including the parents, meet to review all the evaluation data. Evaluation results are provided to the
family during the evaluation to ensure timely feedback about the child’s eligibility status.
In addition to state monitoring, the SoonerStart policies and procedures provides a framework for the establishment
of a statewide, coordinated early intervention system that will provide consistency for families of infants and
toddlers with disabilities. However, flexibility is required in the implementation of this process in order to capitalize
on the varied strengths and resources available in the communities in which families reside. In the spirit of
commitment to families, the IFSP process is the foundation of the Part C provisions of P.L. 99-457, as amended by
P.L. 108-446. This foundation establishes and supports the inherent role of families as the driving force in the
identification of their strengths and needs as well as those services and resources required to enhance the overall
development of their child. The IFSP is written with the parent, the dedicated resource coordinator and the service
provider who is going to be providing early intervention services. Decisions regarding beginning service dates and
direct services are entered on the SoonerStart IFSP form. It is SoonerStart’s policy that the IFSP team, parents
included, makes the decision when services will be implemented with recognition of the variations in family patterns
and structures. Oklahoma defines timely service as 15 working days from the day the service is written on the
IFSP. The IFSP teams are trained to develop the service delivery plan in conjunction with the families every day
routine.
Oklahoma implemented a new monitoring process in FFY 2009-2010. Two of the Regional Coordinator positions
were converted to Program Manager Positions. The focus of these two new positions was to develop new
monitoring procedures, monitoring tools, and to provide technical assistance and training to local sites. The
program managers each have 13 sites to oversee. These two positions have improved the data collection process and
are available to teams for local site visits to provide training or technical assistance with very little wait time. See
indicator 9 for a complete description of the new process.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
For FFY 2004, 555 of 555 (100.00%) infants and toddlers with IFSPs received the early intervention services on
their IFSPs in a timely manner.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 6
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Baseline data is a representation of 26 early intervention sites timeliness of IFSP services. The sample data was
abstracted from 555 SoonerStart records statewide. The methodology for record selection consisted of a random
sample of at least 10 percent of the caseload. This sample was over 10 percent of SoonerStart’s population with
IFSPs in place.
Current SoonerStart guidelines for determining timely IFSP services are primarily based on the parent’s decision.
Parents are entitled to request when services are initiated. The findings data are based on the median and average
days from the day the IFSP was signed by the parents to the beginning of early intervention services. Most early
intervention sites started the services the day that the IFSP was written and signed by the parent or within four
working days. In most cases, the reasons for early intervention services not started on the day of the written IFSP
were a decision that the parents made with the service provider the day of the signed consent for services. Timely
IFSP service is defined by the family and the IFSP Team. Flexibility is required in the implementation of timely
services, if the parent is unprepared for services within the identified timeline the beginning service date is
scheduled according to the parent’s needs. According to SoonerStart guidelines and the baseline data identified,
SoonerStart is 100 percent in compliance with timely IFSP services. Continuous efforts are underway to collect
data, identify timeline barriers, and modify forms. SoonerStart comprehensive quality assurance process, procedures
and practices ensure state and federal compliance. The SoonerStart program does not identify systemic
noncompliance with timeliness of IFSP services.
Measurable and Rigorous Target
Indicator 1, Figure 2 (Source: SFY 2005 Quality Assurance Report and Measurable and Rigorous Targets)
Oklahoma will continue to strive to reach the 100% target for FFY 2010-2011 and FFY 2011-2012
94.40%
100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
100.00%
FFY 2004
(2004-
2005)
FFY 2005
(2005-
2006)
FFY 2006
(2006-
2007)
FFY 2007
(2007-
2008)
FFY 2008
(2008-
2009)
FFY 2009
(2009-
2010)
FFY 2010
(2010-
2011)
FFY 2011
(2011-
2012)
FFY 2012
(2012-
2013)
Percent
Compliance
Indicator 1: Received Early Intervention Services in a Timely Manner
Out of 536
records
reviewed, 506
records were
in
compliance.
Indicator 1 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 1: Timely Services - Page 7
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. SoonerStart monitoring instruments and procedures, the SoonerStart database, Data Profiles, the performance
management process, and the ICC Program Evaluation Committee will continue to identify IDEA compliance
and document needs for systemic change through coordinated, data-based decision-making.
B. The SoonerStart program will use data collected through the Monitoring process to establish multiyear trends
for progress in timely IFSP services.
C. SoonerStart program will continue to make trainings available at the state, regional, and local level to
SoonerStart staff and parents on the topic of timely provision of early intervention services.
D. SoonerStart will provide training and technical assistance to teams to ensure individuals are documenting the
reasons why the 15 working day timeline was not met.
E. SoonerStart will monitor each record when the 15 working day requirement is not met and determine if the
reason is an exceptional family circumstances or a reason within the local program.
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 8
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 9
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The Interagency Coordinating Council and the QA Stakeholders have provided guidance and diverse perspectives in
addressing the baseline data, measurable and rigorous targets and prioritized improvement strategies to address the
identified monitoring priorities, as well as timelines for verification of improvement. The SoonerStart Stakeholders’
agreed that the 618 child count data provided quantifiable baseline data. Maintenance statements were identified for
measurable and rigorous targets. See introduction and Indicator 1overview of the SoonerStart’s SPP Development
for further description of Stakeholders’ participation and public dissemination.
The OSDE-SES will make available and report statewide data to the public regarding progress and/or slippage in
meeting the measurable and rigorous targets identified in the SPP. In addition, the state will report disaggregated
data based on the performance of each SoonerStart site on the targets in the SPP. The OSDE-SES will deliver the
SPP electronically to all SoonerStart sites, local health department administrators, ICC, and the QA and SPP
Stakeholder Group. The SPP will be posted on the OSDE-SES Web site for public viewing
and will be shared at open public meetings such as the ICC Committee meeting, State Superintendent’s Special
Education Conference, and IDEA Part B Advisory Panel Meeting.
Monitoring Priority: Natural Environments
Indicator 2 - Percent of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who primarily receive early intervention services in the
home or community-based setting.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who primarily receive early intervention services in the home or
community-based setting) divided by the (total # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs) times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
SoonerStart uses a single statewide IFSP form. The SoonerStart IFSP form contains a service delivery section that
captures all environments documented in which services are provided. If services are not provided in the child’s
“natural environments” documentation is required that explains the reasons for services to be provided in alternate
locations. Since the inception of the SoonerStart program in Oklahoma, services have been provided primarily in
the home. See Indicator 2 Figure 1 baseline data (Source: Annual 618 Data Reports) Natural environments have
been emphasized through SoonerStart’s policies and procedures and training activities. All services are conducted
in the setting(s) that is selected by the family as most appropriate for their child. In those instances where the
chosen setting is not the child’s natural environment or typical setting, justification for the alternate location must be
provided. The justification shall include an explanation of how the location was determined and how the services in
this location will be generalized to support the child’s ability to function in natural environments. The IFSP includes
services necessary to enhance the child’s ability to function in natural environments. The IFSP identifies the
environment that is natural or typical for the child and family.
SoonerStart Quality Assurance Process:
In SFY 2005, 25 early intervention sites conducted local self-assessment monitoring using the state’s QA Process.
The methodology for record selection consisted of a random sample of at least 10 percent of the caseload or 15
records, whichever was greater, and generated by OSDE from the early intervention database for each local early
intervention team. The SoonerStart QA Report identified in the below table indicates services are primarily in the
child’s natural environments. Services are being provided in either natural environments or the IFSPs have
documentation reflecting reasons why services are not provided in natural environments.
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 10
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma implemented a new monitoring process in FFY 2009-2010. Two of the Regional Coordinator positions
were converted to Program Manager Positions. The focus of these two new positions was to develop new
monitoring procedures, monitoring tools, and to provide technical assistance and training to local sites. The
program managers each have 13 sites to oversee. These two positions have improved the data collection process and
are available to teams for local site visits to provide training or technical assistance with very little wait time. See
indicator 9 for a complete description of the new process.
IFSP/Natural Environment Quality Assurance Questions:
Data findings from the QA IFSP/Natural Environment component contribute to identification of strengths and
weaknesses in the SoonerStart program. Out of the 513 records reviewed, during the SFY 2005, 498 of the infants
and toddlers received services in natural learning environments, 15 records had documentation on the IFSP
regarding the reasons why services were not provided in natural environments. The records were explored to
determine if documentation supported the reasons why services were not provided in natural environments. Analysis
for these findings concluded that all records have documentation of services being provided in the natural
environment or reasons why the IFSP team made a decision not to provide services in the natural environment.
SoonerStart Training:
The Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) offer trainings that support the provision of individualized,
comprehensive, multidisciplinary, family-centered, community-based programs. All SoonerStart families are
encouraged to participate in these trainings. The STARS in-service training provides opportunities to providers to
improve skills at identifying child and family need and providing helpful services in natural environments.
SoonerStart provides statewide and local training, including STARS, and Training for Inclusive Child Care Equals
Terrific Opportunities for Children (TIC-TOC), to families/care providers, community providers, and early
intervention staff about natural learning environments.
SoonerStart Logic Model:
SoonerStart Logic Model has elements that include assumptions based on the state’s philosophy for provision of
early intervention services, activities provided by or through the SoonerStart program, long term goals, and desired
outcomes for children, families, and Oklahoma communities, all based on the SoonerStart mission statement. Using
the Logic Model as the organizing structure, short-term objectives and outcome indictors are more fully developed
in the logic Model Data Map.
Local early intervention sites have agreements with the state’s Early Head Start programs to provide cooperative
services in local communities.
SoonerStart ICC Evaluation Committee continues to utilize and revise, as needed, the SoonerStart Part C Family
Survey regarding natural learning environments, community services, and age-appropriate services.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
FFY 2004, 2,887 of 3,013 (95.81%) children received services provided in the home or programs for typically
developing children (see table below).
Indicator 2: Number of Children Served in Different Early Intervention Settings
Setting
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Number
(Percent)
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 11
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Programs for children with
developmental delays or
disabilities
10
(0.41%)
17
(0.65%)
13
(0.44%)
2
(0.06%)
5
(0.17%)
Programs for typically
developing children
1
(0.04%)
16
(0.61%)
11
(0.37%)
15
(0.45%)
30
(1.00%)
Indicator 2: Number of Children Served in Different Early Intervention Settings
Setting 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Home 2,296
(93.14%)
2,440
(92.88%)
2,766
(94.15%)
3,091
(92.32%)
2,882
(95.65%)
Hospital 1
(0.04%)
2
(0.08%)
0
(0.00%)
5
(0.15%)
0
(0.00%)
Residential facility 1
(0.04%)
4
(0.15%)
2
(0.07%)
2
(0.06%)
2
(0.07%)
Service provider location 27
(1.10%)
36
(1.37%)
33
(1.12%)
91
(2.72%)
17
(0.56%)
Other setting 129
(5.23%)
112
(4.26%)
113
(3.85%)
142
(4.24%)
77
(2.56%)
Total Number of Children
with IFSP 2,465 2,627 2,938 3,348 3,013
Discussion of Baseline Data:
During FFY 2004, 2,887 of 3,013 (95.81%) children received services provided in the home or programs for
typically developing children. SoonerStart services provided are individualized to meet the unique needs of eligible
infants and toddlers. Continuous efforts to improve IFSP services in multiple natural learning environments are
ongoing.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Target
2005
(2005-2006)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2006
(2006-2007)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2007
(2007-2008)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2008
(2008-2009)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2009
(2009-2010)
95.81% of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or programs designed for typically
developing children.
2010
(2010-2011)
95.81% of Oklahoma��s children will be served in their home orcommunity based setting.
2011
(2011-2012)
95.81 of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or community based setting.
2012
(2012-2013
95.81 of Oklahoma’s children will be served in their home or community based setting.
Indicator 2 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 2: Natural Environments - Page 12
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. The SoonerStart QA Team and the QA Stakeholders will continue reviewing current service delivery practices
to identify approaches IFSP teams use to promote multiple natural learning environments.
B. SoonerStart partner agencies, regional coordinators, and lead clinicians will monitor annually a sufficient
number of records to ensure continuous improvement using the SoonerStart QA Process.
C. To promote services in multiple natural learning environments, the SoonerStart program will offer local
trainings to the early intervention sites that provides majority of services in the home.
D. SoonerStart will continue to generate and make public the individual Site Data Profiles through the OSDE-SES
Web site.
E. .
F. SoonerStart will continue to provide statewide and local training, , to families/care providers, community
providers, and early intervention staff about natural learning environments.
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 13
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The ICC and the QA Stakeholders have provided guidance and diverse perspectives in addressing the desired
outcomes, baseline data, and prioritized improvement strategies to address the identified monitoring priorities, as
well as timelines for verification of improvement. The Stakeholder committee reviewed data from the quality
assurance activities to evaluate the process and to make recommendations for enhancement. The SoonerStart QA
Stakeholders analyzed data and identified mechanisms for collecting information on improved and sustained
functional abilities. The SoonerStart partner agencies received input from Stakeholders regarding child outcome
measures. This included concerns that the BDI and the BDI-II do not accurately reflect a child’s functional abilities
or assistive technology, accommodations or modifications that aide a child’s functioning. In addition, the
stakeholders expressed that the BDI does not indicate progress made by children with significant delays. They
recommended consideration of the ECO Summary Form using a variety of tools already in use, such as the BDI-II,
Early Learning Accomplishment Profile (ELAP), Birth to Three (BTT), and Hawaii, Early Learning Profile (HELP).
The Stakeholders also agreed to remain a part of the workgroup to provide input to the outcome measurement
process, support trainings and develop guidelines. See Introduction and Indicator 1 for more details regarding
stakeholder activity and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Child Outcomes
Indicator 3 - Percent of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who demonstrate improved:
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/ communication); and
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Measurement:
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships):
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level comparable to
same-aged peers = # of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times
100.
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
improved functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
did not improve functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
If children meet the criteria for a, report them in a. Do not include children reported in a in b or c. If a +
b + c does not sum to 100%, explain the difference.
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/communication):
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level comparable to
same-aged peers = # of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times
100.
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
improved functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
did not improve functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
If children meet the criteria for a, report them in a. Do not include children reported in a in b or c. If a +
b + c does not sum to 100%, explain the difference.
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs:
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level comparable to
same-aged peers = # of infants and toddlers who reach or maintain functioning at a level
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 14
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
comparable to same-aged peers divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times
100.
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
improved functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning = # of infants and toddlers who
did not improve functioning divided by # of infants and toddlers with IFSPs assessed times 100.
If children meet the criteria for a, report them in a. Do not include children reported in a in b or c. If a +
b + c does not sum to 100%, explain the difference.
Summary Statements for Each of the Three Outcomes (use for FFY 2008-2009 reporting):
Summary Statement 1: Of those preschool children who entered the preschool program below age
expectations in each Outcome, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by the time
they turned 6 years of age or exited the program.
Measurement for Summary Statement 1:
Percent = # of preschool children reported in progress category (c) plus # of preschool children reported
in category (d) divided by [# of preschool children reported in progress category (a) plus # of preschool
children reported in progress category (b) plus # of preschool children reported in progress category (c)
plus # of preschool children reported in progress category (d)] times 100.
Summary Statement 2: The percent of preschool children who were functioning within age
expectations in each Outcome by the time they turned 6 years of age or exited the program.
Measurement for Summary Statement 2: Percent = # of preschool children reported in progress
category (d) plus [# of preschool children reported in progress category (e) divided by the total # of
preschool children reported in progress categories (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) + (e)] times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
SoonerStart established a task force to review existing measurement/assessment tools for child outcomes. The task
force included participants from SoonerStart, Head Start, the Part C Quality Assurance Stakeholder Group, and
representatives from LEAs. Following the recommendations of the task force, SoonerStart adopted the Child
Outcomes Summary Form (COSF) and scoring recommendations developed by the Early Childhood Outcomes
(ECO) Center. To complete the COSF, SoonerStart service providers will use all available information (including
parent observations, evaluations, and other assessments) as well as the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI-II).
The BDI-II has been used as one of the evaluation procedures at the initial and exit evaluation for over five years.
All eligible infants and toddlers have an initial, exit, and/or transition evaluation and other assessments as
appropriate. Initial ratings on the COSF must be completed within 30 days of the initial IFSP. Exit ratings must be
completed within 30 days of the child’s last date of service. Evaluators complete the BDI-II and other evaluation
tools with the help of the parents and document the results on the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Summary
(METS).
Beginning November 1, 2006, SoonerStart required all sites to complete the COSF for all children entering
SoonerStart services and for all children exiting services (either by meeting all goals on their IFSPs or by
transitioning to Part B or other childhood programs at age 3) who have been receiving Part C services for at least six
months. The summary ratings from the COSF will be collected through the Oklahoma State Department of
Education (OSDE) Web-based data collection system. The Web-based system includes data elements to meet
federal, state, and local data needs. System management is handled at the state level, whereas data collection and
entry are completed at the site level. The OSDE Applications Specialist maintains the SoonerStart database and
provides technical assistance to local staff.
Entry data regarding the percent of children with IFSPs functioning at levels comparable to same-aged peers (to
represent FFY 2005) were collected on children entering SoonerStart services from November 1, 2006, through
December 31, 2006. These dates of inclusion were used because the original sampling plan (which included a pilot
study) submitted to the OSEP was rejected. Based on the timing of clarification from the OSEP, SoonerStart
collected the data (which included all children) on entries for children in the SoonerStart program as timely as
possible.
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 15
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Progress Data for FFY 2006 (2006-2007): comparable to same age peers for use of appropriate behaviors to meet
their needs for FFY 2005 is located in the Oklahoma State Performance Plan (SPP; 2005).
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships): Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 6 15%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
9 23%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a
level nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 7 18%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach
a level comparable to same-aged peers 15 38%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a
level comparable to same-aged peers 3 8%
Total N=40 100%
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early
language/communication):
Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 3 8%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
8 20%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a
level nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 6 15%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach
a level comparable to same-aged peers 21 53%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a
level comparable to same-aged peers 2 5%
Total N=40 100%
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs: Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 2 5%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
8 20%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a
level nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 7 18%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach
a level comparable to same-aged peers 21 53%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a
level comparable to same-aged peers 2 5%
Total N=40 100%
A. In FFY 2006, 18 of 40 (45%) children functioned at levels comparable to same-aged peers for social-emotional
skills.
B. In FFY 2006, 23 of 40 (57%) children functioned at levels comparable to same-aged peers for acquisition
of knowledge.
C. In FFY 2006, 23 of 40 (57%) children functioned at levels comparable to same-aged peers for use of
behaviors to meet their needs.
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 16
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Discussion of Progress Data:
Beginning in January 2006, all early intervention sites collected BDI information for entry data on all children who
were eligible for SoonerStart services between January and June 2006. The data collection and reporting system
was based on a yes-no categorization. The OSEP revised Child Outcomes Reporting requirements for Part C in
September 2006. The impact of this change caused SoonerStart to revisit the methodology of collecting child
outcome data for 2006 and expedited the timeline for statewide Child Outcome data collection. Oklahoma provided
training to all SoonerStart Early Intervention staff in October of 2006 regarding why SoonerStart must track Child
Outcome information, how the team will collect and report the data, and when the process will begin. Starting
November 1, 2006, SoonerStart sites began to collect and report Child Outcome data
Entry and exit data was collected on 40 infants and toddlers on IFSPs (i.e., all infants and toddlers entering
SoonerStart services from November 1, 2006, that were on an IFSP for six months), that were on an IFSP for six
months and exited before June 30, 2007.
Baseline Data for FFY 2008 (2008-2009):
A. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships): Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 20 2.3%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
75 8.5%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a level
nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 242 27.4%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach a
level comparable to same-aged peers 399 45.2%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers 146 16.6%
Total 882 100%
B. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early
language/communication):
Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 21 2.3%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
66 7.3%
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a level
nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 275 30.6%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach a
level comparable to same-aged peers 461 51.2%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers 77 8.6%
Total 900 100%
C. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs: Number of
children % of children
a. Percent of infants and toddlers who did not improve functioning 13 1.5%
b. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning but not
sufficient to move nearer to functioning comparable to same-aged
peers
64 7.2%
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 17
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
c. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to a level
nearer to same-aged peers but did not reach 289 32.5%
d. Percent of infants and toddlers who improved functioning to reach a
level comparable to same-aged peers 469 52.7%
e. Percent of infants and toddlers who maintained functioning at a level
comparable to same-aged peers 55 6.2%
Total 890 100%
SUMMARY STATEMENTS Outcome 1 Outcome 2 Outcome 3
1. Of those children who entered the program below age
expectations in [outcome], the percent that
substantially increased their rate of growth in
[outcome] by the time they exited.
87.1% 89.4% 90.8%
2. Percent of children who were functioning within age
expectations in [outcome], by the time they exited. 61.8% 59.8% 58.9%
Discussion of Baseline Data: For FFY 2008, entry and exit information was collected on all children who met the
criteria: six months of service and not referred after 30 months of age. Data shown exclude: children that received
services for less than six months, those missing entry or exit dates, and children with no information about child’s
progress at exit.
Measurable and Rigorous Target:
Summary Statements
Targets FFY
2009 (% of
children)
Targets
FFY 2010-
2011 (% of
children)
Targets
FFY 2011-
2012(% of
children)
Targets
FFY 2012-
2013(% of
children)
Outcome A: Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships)
1. Of those children who entered or exited the program below age expectations
in Outcome A, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by
the time they exited the program
88.64% 90.61%
94.55%
94.55%
2. The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in
Outcome A by the time they exited the program 64.06% 64.86%
65.66%
65.66%
Outcome B: Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills
(including early language/communication and early literacy)
1. Of those children who entered or exited the program below age expectations
in Outcome A, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by
the time they exited the program
91.17% 91.79%
92.41%
92.41%
2. The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in
Outcome A by the time they exited the program 61.07% 61.52%
61.97%
61.97%
Outcome C: Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs
1. Of those children who entered or exited the program below age expectations
in Outcome A, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by
the time they exited the program
91.97% 93.46%
94.95%
94.95%
2. The percent of children who were functioning within age expectations in
Outcome A by the time they exited the program 59.73% 60.02%
60.31%
60.31%
Indicator 3 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 3: Early Childhood Outcomes - Page 18
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma, with broad stakeholder input, has set the targets for early childhood outcomes based on the analysis of
the progress and baseline data. The targets were set by adding half a standard deviation of the progress data average
to the baseline data. Targets are now more rigorous and in line with Oklahoma’s Part B ECO’s.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
At the State level, SoonerStart is examining policies, practices, and procedures to determine what (if any) changes
should occur in the system to address early childhood outcomes. In addition, SoonerStart will also take the
following steps:
A. Collaborate with Part B personnel to develop strategies for recruiting and maintaining Part C service personnel
such as speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other providers with
specialized skills. (on-going)
B. Provide training on early childhood outcomes for Part C staff, Part B staff, and parents
C. Request additional technical assistance and information from SERRC on strategies for improving child
outcomes or policies from other states (
D. Request additional technical assistance and information from the ECO Center, NECTAC, and other agencies,
stakeholder groups, taskforces, and technical assistance providers
E. Provide early childhood outcome data to each site, ICC, and stakeholders
Indicator 4 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 4: Family Outcomes - Page 19
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
In an effort to evaluate the SoonerStart program and determine parent satisfaction, the ICC Program Evaluation
Committee meets monthly to review proposals submitted by SoonerStart Agency partners, quality assurance
procedures and to analyze review and refine the Logic Model to determine redundancy, gaps or areas that may or
may not currently be part of the committee. Additionally, the committee reviews research focused on SoonerStart
activities. The ICC Program Evaluation Committee developed a Logic Model to improve program evaluation efforts
that describes the services that the SoonerStart program is providing. Using the Logic Model Data Map provides
strategy of comprehensive evaluation for the SoonerStart program. The SoonerStart Stakeholder Committee meets
biannually to review existing monitoring data, the quality assurance reports, APR, and program indicators to identify
needed changes in the system and identify strategies that will assist the SoonerStart program to move towards a
more focused monitoring process. See Introduction and Indicator 1 for more details regarding stakeholder activity
and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Parent Involvement
Indicator 4 - Percent of families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services have helped the
family:
A. Know their rights;
B. Effectively communicate their children's needs; and
C. Help their children develop and learn.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(A) and 1442)
Measurement:
A. Percent = # of respondent families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services
have helped the family know their rights divided by the # of respondent families participating in Part C
times 100.
B. Percent = # of respondent families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services
have helped the family effectively communicate their children's needs divided by the # of respondent
families participating in Part C times 100.
C. Percent = # of respondent families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services
have helped the family help their children develop and learn divided by the # of respondent families
participating in Part C times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
For FFY 2005, SoonerStart utilized a stratified random sample to collect baseline information on family outcomes.
In an effort to provide a sample that was technically sound, SoonerStart consulted with an epidemiologist from the
Data Management Center in the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
(OUHSC). The method for selecting the SoonerStart Family Sample was developed to reflect (1) information on
both past and current clients and (2) the distribution of clients by each of the 26 local SoonerStart sites. There are no
SoonerStart sites that have a total of 50,000 or more children receiving services in Oklahoma. Selection procedures
guaranteed that every family in each site had an equal chance of being included in the survey. Inclusion criteria
included: (1) date of birth between 01/01/2002 and 12/31/2005, (2) eligible for the program; (3) telephone number in
the record; and (4) caregiver listed in the record. 7,831 records were available for selection based on these criteria.
To statistically represent the target population at 95% confidence with +/- 5.5% error, 296 completed interviews
were needed. Because the number of completed interviews in each region was proportionate to the number of
children receiving services at each site, the sample was guaranteed to accurately produce a sample that is
representative of the population, because every eligible child had the same chance as another child to be selected for
the sample.
Indicator 4 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 4: Family Outcomes - Page 20
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma State University (OSU) Bureau for Social Research (BSR) was contracted to contact families and
complete the Family Survey through a telephone questionnaire. The Family Survey included questions from the
National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring (NCSEAM) survey, and specific questions
requested by the OSEP that measure early intervention services related to helping the family know their rights, that
SoonerStart services have helped the family effectively communicate their children's needs, and that SoonerStart
personnel have helped the family help their children develop and learn. OSU-BSR considered each “agree” or
“strongly agree” response in the percents reported for the baseline data (note: “neutral” responses are not included).
OSU-BSR completed 304 Family Surveys. Compared to the entire population of infants and toddlers receiving
SoonerStart services in Oklahoma in FFY 2005, the sample was comparable by gender and race/ethnicity (within
0.5% of the population data).
Although SoonerStart proposed a less detailed version of this sampling plan in the original submission of the
Oklahoma State Performance Plan (SPP; 2005) that was not approved by the OSEP, SoonerStart continued to use
this scientifically sound stratified random sample to collect the data needed to report a baseline for FFY 2005 (with
the intention of providing more detail regarding the sampling plan in the submission of the revised SPP). However,
for FFY 2006, SoonerStart will collect information regarding parent involvement by surveying all parents of
children with disabilities, aged birth through 2, receiving SoonerStart services, based on the recommendation of the
IDEA Part C SPP/APR Stakeholder Group. For FFY 2006, each SoonerStart site will receive copies of the parent
survey developed by the NCSEAM as well as business reply envelopes to return the surveys to SoonerStart staff at
the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), Special Education Services (SES), based on their December
1, 2006, child counts. SoonerStart sites will be given instructions to disseminate the surveys and envelopes to all
parents of students with disabilities served by the site. Spanish, Vietnamese, and large print versions of the survey
will also be available upon request. Beginning in FFY 2007, SoonerStart will require each site to provide parents
with a copy of the parent survey and a business reply envelope at each annual IFSP meeting.
Baseline Data for FFY 2005 (2005-2006):
In FFY 2005, 304 (29%) of the 1,049 sample completed the phone interview. Of the completed interviews:
A. 280 of 304 (92.11%) of families report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 254 of 304 (83.55%) of families report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their children’s
needs.
C. 268 of 304 (88.16%) of families reported that SoonerStart helped the family help their children develop and
learn.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
For FFY 2005, the OSU-BSR interviewed 304 families. Because the number of completed interviews in each region
is proportionate to the number of clients enrolled in each region, the sample is guaranteed to accurately reflect the
distribution of current and former SoonerStart clients by region. Furthermore, the margin of error for a stratified
random sample of the size of this study (304 respondents) is +/- 5.5 percentage points when the distribution of
question responses is in the vicinity of 50%. This sampling error presumes the conventional 95% degree of desired
confidence, which is equivalent to a “significance level” of .05. This means that no more than one time in twenty
should chance variations in the sample because the overall study results to vary by more than 5.5 percentage points
from the answers that would be obtained if all families were interviewed.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Target
2006
(2006-2007)
A. 93.05% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.15% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.75% of families will report that the SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2007
(2007-2008)
A. 93.10% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.20% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
Indicator 4 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 4: Family Outcomes - Page 21
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
C. 93.80% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2008
(2008-2009)
A. 93.15% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.25% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.85% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2009
(2009-2010)
A. 93.30% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.30% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.90% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2010
(2010-2011)
A. 93.35% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.35% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 93.95% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2011
(2011-2012)
A. 93.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 94.00% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
2012
(2012-2013
A. 93.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family know their rights.
B. 95.40% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family communicate their
children’s needs.
C. 94.00% of families will report that SoonerStart helped the family help their children
develop and learn.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
At the State level, SoonerStart is examining policies, practices, and procedures to determine what (if any) changes
should occur in the system to address family outcomes. In addition, SoonerStart will also take the following steps:
A. Provide technical assistance to SoonerStart sites on methods facilitating parental involvement through team
leader meetings, , and personnel development activities
B. Provide personnel development activities and/or books and other resources to SoonerStart personnel on topics
such as IFSP team decision-making and parents as team members (
C. Request additional technical assistance and information from the SERRC on strategies for improving family
outcomes or policies from other states (
D. Request additional assistance for the Oklahoma Parent Training and Information Center, Oklahoma Parent
Network, stakeholder groups, taskforces, and technical assistance providers (
E. Publicize family outcomes data on the OSDE-SES Web site by SoonerStart region as part of the SoonerStart
data profiles, where sample sizes allow (
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 22
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The ICC Public Awareness Committee meets quarterly for the purpose of reviewing brochures, publications and
public awareness plans and activities for local SoonerStart early intervention sites. During FY 2004, a
subcommittee was formed to assist the ICC with the validity, utilization and availability of SoonerStart brochures,
publications and forms. The Publications Committee meets monthly. The committee members meet with the
Oklahoma Department of Human Services publications artist who reviews the brochures and makes suggestions
regarding logos, fonts, colors and production process to enhance visual quality of brochures and display boards. All
materials are currently analyzed for content relevance and cultural and family sensitivity. On October 4, 2005, the
Part C Stakeholders met to review the SoonerStart’s QA data, determine if the data addressed the OSEP Indicator 5
and 6, and to provide input on measurable and rigorous targets as well as particular activities, timelines and
resources that the program may need to consider for continuous improvement. The Stakeholders agreed that there is
a statewide comprehensive and coordinated public awareness child find system. The percentage of infants and
toddlers receiving services in Oklahoma is comparable to states with similar eligibility criteria. See Introduction and
Indicator 1 for more details regarding stakeholder activity and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Child Find 0-1
Indicator 5 - Percent of infants and toddlers birth to 1 with IFSPs compared to national data.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers birth to 1 with IFSPs) divided by the (population of infants and toddlers birth
to 1) times 100 compared to national data.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
OSDE, as lead agency, develops a public awareness program that focuses on early identification of children. OSDE
prepares and disseminates information to primary referral sources, especially hospitals and physicians, of
information to be given to parents, especially to inform parents with premature infants, or infants with other physical
risk factors associated with learning or developmental complications, on the availability of early intervention
services, and procedures for assisting such sources in disseminating information to parents of infants and toddlers.
The public awareness plan includes a broad range of referral sources such as homeless family shelters, clinics, and
other health service related offices, public schools and officials, and the child welfare system.
SoonerStart’s public awareness program represents a strategy for promoting public acceptance and raising public
consciousness regarding children with disabilities and early intervention services. It is a systematic, continuous, and
purposeful communication activity, which uses multiple resources to inform groups and the public regarding these
issues. A primary focus is the early identification of children who are eligible to receive early intervention services.
The dissemination of information is coordinated through the state partner agency coordinators. SoonerStart partner
agency coordinators present at conferences and state meetings for Head Start, Indian health organizations, and
physicians to inform them about SoonerStart services. State coordinators serve on state tasks forces and committees
for disability issues and/or early childhood issues to ensure infants and toddlers with disabilities are represented and
collaborative child find and outreach activities are successful.
In SFY 2003, the SoonerStart Oklahoma’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) subcommittee was created.
Several SoonerStart partner agencies are involved as well as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Neonatal
Parents Network. The subcommittee developed a transition process from NICU to SoonerStart. The subcommittee
introduced this transition process to the ICC Public Awareness Committee and trainings for regional and resource
coordinators are available through the SoonerStart STARS. Currently, regional and resource coordinators meet with
families referred to SoonerStart whose newborns are in intensive care at the NICU before the infant is released.
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 23
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
In SFY 2005, 36 percent of the referrals came from parents/caregivers, 34 percent of referrals were received from
medical providers, 16 percent were OKDHS referrals, and the remaining referrals came from other community
sources. This data indicates that public awareness and child find activities are reaching a variety of referral sources.
Oklahoma Areawide Services and Information System (OASIS):
OASIS is statewide information and referral service that helps Oklahomans with special needs as well as anyone in
need find community resources. OASIS provides access to resource information through a searchable directory
which is available on the OASIS Web site at . OASIS assists the SoonerStart program by
providing one-on-one information and referral by telephone, mail and email, taking relay calls from parents needing
to get in touch with their resource coordinator or other early intervention staff outside their dialing area. In addition
to providing one-on-one information and referral by telephone, mail and email, OASIS also provides access to
resource information through a searchable directory which is available on the OASIS Web site. OASIS also
attended, exhibited and/or presented at a number of conferences, workshops and events. During the past year,
OASIS staff participated in 26 workshops, conferences and other events where approximately 5,776 people were in
attendance. Over 7,838 public awareness materials were distributed including OASIS, Oklahoma Respite and
Referral Network (ORRN), SoonerStart brochures and the Family Connections Newsletter. OASIS has a well-organized
resource database that is continuously maintained through data collection and update procedures. During
SFY 2004, 249 new agencies and programs were added and 2,306 agencies and program records were updated. The
database currently contains 1,677 agencies and 4,831 programs.
Joint Oklahoma Information Network: (JOIN)
During SFY 2004, OASIS began collaboration with JOIN. The lead agency for JOIN is the Oklahoma Commission
on Children & Youth (OCCY) and is a partnership between Oklahoma state agencies which has been working to
develop a Web based system that will allow for data sharing between participating agencies. In addition, JOIN
provides a public Web site at that includes an eligibility questionnaire and a community
resource directory. The eligibility questionnaire assists public users to assess whether they might be eligible for
state programs such as SoonerStart, OKDHS programs, OSDH programs, food stamps, Medicaid, WIC and other
programs. The community resource directory contains listings of community health, education and human service
programs. During the January – March 2005 period, this directory had 89,876 hits and over 14,000 searches were
detected. This new resource directory allows SoonerStart staff to search for and print off all the resources in the
directory for each county in their service area.
Birth Defect Registry:
Birth Defect Registry database system is currently linked to the OSDH database to track how many children were
referred and receiving early intervention services. In addition, the BDR submits quarterly reports to the OKDHS
SoonerStart coordinator in order to identify, compare and to ensure that children in foster care under age one are
being referred and receiving early intervention services. SoonerStart partner agencies review the process to refer all
potentially eligible children on the Birth Defect Registry (BDR) to SoonerStart.
Child Abuse Prevention Act (CAPTA) (PL 108-36):
SoonerStart partner agencies are facilitating the development of state policies and procedures to ensure coordinated,
timely referral of all children identified by the state for substantiated abuse, neglect, or substance abuse. In
SFY2005, regional OKDHS SoonerStart referral trainings were conducted at six regional OKDHS sites across the
state.
Medical Home:
SoonerStart is involved with Oklahoma’s Medical Home initiative. This multiagency initiative involves providing
support to develop a medical home for Medicaid eligible children. Within this project, SoonerStart is working with
local staff to increase the understanding of the role of the medical home in the coordination of care that is vital to
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 24
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
effective collaboration between early intervention and medical services. This model promotes coordinated, effective
communication between all professionals providing services to children.
Child Count Data:
Indicator 5, Figure 1(Source US Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Data Analysis System)
Indicator 5, Figure 1 shows a point in time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 1997-2003.
SoonerStart serves at or above the national average for children under the age of one. SoonerStart’s public
awareness efforts are effectively reaching families with young children.
Monitoring Process
The SoonerStart quality assurance public awareness component was fully implemented in SFY 2004. The
SoonerStart local early intervention sites develop and implement yearly public awareness plans that target families
with infants under one. These plans include strategies to address OSEP indicators and local needs.
SoonerStart partner agencies conduct on-site QA reviews using program indicators related to public awareness and
child find activities. This QA Process contains seven program questions specifically to identify the local public
awareness and child find plan and activities.
In SFY 2005, the QA team identified public awareness plan and activities targeted healthcare and community
programs serving children under the age of one and environments where families would spend time.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
OK Percentage 0.85 0.96 0.92 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3
National Percentage 0.91 0.82 0.94 0.9 0.9 1 0.9
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
Birth to 1 Child Count
OK Percentage National Percentage
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 25
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 5, Figure 2 (Source US Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Data Analysis System)
Discussion of Baseline Data:
Indicator 5, Figure 2 shows a point in time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 2004.
Oklahoma is above the national average for serving children with developmental delays under the age of one.
SoonerStart’s partner agencies, the ICC Public Awareness Committee and local SoonerStart sites efforts in public
awareness and child find activities has resulted in identification of eligible children. Overall, these figures indicate
that the SoonerStart program is serving above the national average.
Measurable and Rigorous Targets
Indicator 5, Figure 3 (Source: OSEP Data Analysis System; Measurable and Rigorous Targets)
Indicator 5: Comparison with Other States Using Narrow Eligibility Criteria
Infants and Toddlers Birth to 1 (2004)
1.2
0.8
1.7
1.6
0.7
0.6 0.6 0.6
0
0.9
Oklahoma Alaska North Dakota Montana Missouri Arizona District of
Columbia
Nevada
Percent of Population Served
National Baseline
Indicator 5 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 5: Child Find Birth to 1 - Page 26
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma will continue to strive to serve all children in need of early intervention services birth through the
age of one. Targets for 2010-2011 are 1.30% and 1.32% for 2011-2012.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. SoonerStart partner agencies will continue to work with the OSDH to refer all potentially eligible children on
the Birth Defect Registry (BDR) to SoonerStart.
B. SoonerStart partner agencies will continue to work with the OKDHS to make referrals from OKDHS smooth
and effective for children under the age of one, in foster care and in OKDHS custody.
C. SoonerStart partner agencies, the ICC and local early intervention sites will continue to engage in public
awareness activities that identify all eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities.
D. The OSDE will work on any needed revisions of SoonerStart Policies and Procedures upon receipt of final
federal regulations.
E. The Program Managers will continue to monitor the local early intervention sites public awareness plans and
activities to identify dissemination of public awareness materials and targeting healthcare and community
programs serving children under the age of one.
1.20 1.20 1.30 1.30 1.20 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.28 1.30 1.32 1.34
0.80 0.90 1.00 0.90 0.90 0.95
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 FFY
2005
(2005-
2006)
FFY
2006
(2006-
2007)
FFY
2007
(2007-
2008)
FFY
2008
(2008-
2009)
FFY
2009
(2009-
2010)
FFY
2010
(2010-
2011)
FFY
2011
(2011-
2012)
FFY
2012
(2012-
2013)
Indicator 5: Projected Trend for Infants and Toddlers Birth to 1
Percent of Population Served
Oklahoma National Baseline
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 27
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The stakeholders, which include representatives of parents, advocates, service providers, coordinators, educators,
and work groups involved with the SoonerStart program met to review SoonerStart’s data. The stakeholders agreed
that there is a statewide comprehensive and coordinated public awareness child find system. The stakeholders
recommended that the SoonerStart program continue to focus on getting local Head Start agreements in place. See
introduction and Indicator 5 for more details.
Monitoring Priority: Child Find 0-3
Indicator 6 - Percent of infants and toddlers birth to 3 with IFSPs compared to national data.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of infants and toddlers birth to 3 with IFSPs) divided by the (population of infants and toddlers birth
to 3) times 100 compared to national data.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
OSDE, as lead agency, develops a public awareness program that focuses on early identification of children. OSDE
prepares and disseminates information to primary referral sources, especially hospitals and physicians, of
information to be given to parents. The public awareness plan includes a broad range of referral sources such as
homeless family shelters, clinics, and other heath service related offices, public schools and officials, and the child
welfare system.
SoonerStart’s public awareness program represents a strategy for promoting public acceptance and raising public
consciousness regarding children with disabilities and early intervention services. It is a systematic, continuous, and
purposeful communication activity, which uses multiple resources to inform groups and the public regarding these
issues. A primary focus is the early identification of children who are eligible to receive early intervention services.
The dissemination of information is coordinated through the state partner agency coordinators. SoonerStart partner
agency coordinators present at conferences and state meetings for Head Start, Indian health organizations, and
physicians to inform them about SoonerStart services. State coordinators serve on state tasks forces and committees
for disability issues and/or early childhood issues to ensure infants and toddlers with disabilities are represented and
collaborative child find and outreach activities are successful.
Referrals:
In SFY 2005, 36 percent of the referrals came from parents/caregivers, 34 percent of referrals were received from
medical providers, 16 percent were OKDHS referrals, and the remaining referrals came from other community
sources. This data indicates that public awareness and child find activities are reaching a variety of referral sources.
Every effort is being made to identify and serve all eligible children.
Child Count Data:
SFY 2000, Oklahoma’s Part C Child Count data indicated 1.75 percent of children born in Oklahoma, aged birth
through two, were served in the SoonerStart program. In 2001, 1.84 percent of children born in Oklahoma, aged
birth through two, were served and in 2002, 2.03 percent of children born in Oklahoma birth through two were
served. In addition, in 2003, 2.30 percent of children born in Oklahoma, aged birth through two were served.
Children Birth through 2 Receiving Early Intervention Services:
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 28
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 6, Figure 1 (Source NECTAC, OSEP and CIMP Report), Oklahoma SoonerStart Child Count
Indicator 6, Figure 1 shows a point in time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 2000-2003.
SoonerStart serves at or above the national average for children under the age of 3. SoonerStart’s public awareness
efforts are effectively reaching families with young children.
The SoonerStart program reports the number of infants and toddlers receiving services by race/ethnicity. Increases
can be attributed to slight population growth and increased public awareness efforts and outreach to minority and
marginalized populations.
Central Directory:
OASIS provides access to resource information through a searchable directory which is available on the OASIS
Web site. OASIS assists the SoonerStart program by providing one-on-one information and referral by telephone,
mail and email, taking relay calls from parents needing to get in touch with their resource coordinator or other early
intervention staff outside their dialing area. In addition to providing community resource information to
families/caregivers and service providers, OASIS also attended, exhibited and/or presented at a number of
conferences, workshops and events. During April 1-June 30, 2004, seven conferences were attended by OASIS
staff. Over 7,838 public awareness materials were distributed including OASIS, ORRN, SoonerStart brochures and
the Family Connections Newsletter.
MonitoringProcess:
Every year local early intervention sites create a public awareness plan specific to their local needs and document
child find activities. The data are collected using the SoonerStart QA Process that has a child find component that
monitors the local early intervention sites activities and plans. A local early intervention site must receive 85 percent
compliance rate on their quality assurance public awareness component. The SoonerStart QA Process indicates the
local early intervention teams are developing and implementing effective public awareness strategies. The
SoonerStart ICC Public Awareness Committee receives the quality assurance component data related to Public
Awareness/Central Directory and gives recommendations to the QA Team. The committee identifies possible
improvement strategies that could be useful with local public awareness plans and activity reports. Public
awareness materials are also reviewed by the ICC Public Awareness Committee. The Publication Committee works
with the SoonerStart partner agencies to help create public awareness materials and distribution.
Birth Defect Registry (BDR):
The Birth Defect Registry has redesigned its data collection and reporting system during SFY2003 and 2004. In
order to evaluate the referral process, SoonerStart is in the process of matching the Birth Defects and SoonerStart
databases for the years 1999-2003. This allows partner agencies to track matches and mismatches referrals received
from the Birth Defect Registry. Currently the BDR abstractors go through the child’s birth records. They note
whether the child qualifies for SoonerStart or is already enrolled in the program. If the child qualifies and isn’t
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2003
1.75 1.84 2.03
2.3 National Average
2.18
Percent of Children
Birth to 2
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 29
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
enrolled, then they send a referral letter to the local early intervention site. A researcher from the ICC evaluation
committee is currently working with the Departments of Education and Health to streamline the referral process
from the Birth Defect Registry (BDR) to SoonerStart.
Sooner Success:
SoonerStart agency coordinators participate with the University of Oklahoma to implement the State Unified
Children’s Comprehensive Exemplary Services for Special Needs (Sooner Success). Sooner Success is a model
development project begun through the collaboration of families of children with special needs with the State
Departments of Education, Health, Human Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Oklahoma
Health Care Authority, Center for Learning and Leadership, University Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities and is lead by the Child Study Center at the University of Oklahoma. The project is working toward a
strong comprehensive, unified system of health, social and educational services supporting children and youth with
special needs and their families.
Medical Home:
SoonerStart is involved with Oklahoma’s Medical Home initiative. This multiagency initiative involves providing
support to develop a medical home for Medicaid eligible children. Within this project, SoonerStart is working with
local staff to increase the understanding of the role of the medical home in the coordination of care that is vital to
effective collaboration between early intervention and medical services. This model promotes coordinated, effective
communication between all professionals providing services to children.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (PL 108-36):
SoonerStart partner agencies are facilitating the development of state policies and procedures to ensure coordinated,
timely referral of all children identified by the state for substantiated abuse, neglect, or substance abuse.
Public Awareness/Child Find:
The ICC Public Awareness Committee meets quarterly for the purpose of reviewing brochures, publications and
public awareness plans and activities for local SoonerStart early intervention sites. During SFY 2004, a
subcommittee was formed to assist the ICC with the validity, utilization and availability of SoonerStart brochures,
publications and forms. The publications committee meets monthly with representative from each agency. The
committee members meet with OKDHS publications artist who reviews the brochures and makes suggestions
regarding logos, font, colors and production process to enhance visual quality of brochures and display boards. All
materials are currently analyzed for content relevance and cultural and family sensitivity. The SoonerStart logo was
revised and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) brochure was created by the publications committee and
disseminated throughout the state. Additionally, the NICU support director has joined the committee to help with
publications and child find.
In SFY 2003, the SoonerStart NICU subcommittee was created. Several SoonerStart partner agencies are involved
as well as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Neonatal Parents Network. The subcommittee developed a
transition process from NICU to SoonerStart. The subcommittee introduced this transition process to the ICC Public
Awareness Committee and training for regional and resource coordinators was provided through the SoonerStart
STARS. Currently regional and resource coordinators meet with families referred to SoonerStart whose newborns
are in intensive care at the NICU before the infant is released.
Partner agency coordinators present at conferences and state meetings for Head Start, Indian Health Organizations,
and physicians to inform them about SoonerStart services. Partner agency coordinators serve on state tasks forces
and committees for disability issues and/or early childhood issues to ensure infants and toddlers with disabilities are
represented and collaborative child find and outreach activities are successful.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 30
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 6, Figure 4 (Source U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Data Analysis
System)
Discussion of Baseline Data:
Indicator 6, Figure 4 shows a point-in-time report to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on
SoonerStart eligible infants and toddlers who are on an IFSP and receiving services on December 1, 2004. The table
shows Oklahoma is serving 2.04 percent of the birth through two populations of 147,755. In SFY 2004, SoonerStart
served 3,013 infants and toddlers on IFSPs. Figure 4 Part C eligibility criteria is a ranking by OSEP placing
Oklahoma in the narrow category and shows the percentages of population served. The narrow average is 1.95
percent of the population served. Overall, these figures indicate that the percentage of eligible infants with
developmental delays birth through two is receiving SoonerStart services are comparable to state and national data.
Measurable and Rigorous Target:
Indicator 6, Figure 5 (Source OSEP Data Analysis Report), measurable and rigorous targets
Indicator 6: Comparison with Other States Using Narrow Eligibility Criteria
Infants and Toddlers Birth to 3 (2004)
2.04 2.02
2.8
2.13
1.53 1.54
1.3 1.3
0
2.24
Oklahoma Alaska North Dakota Montana Missouri Arizona District of
Columbia
Nevada
Percent of Population Served
Narrow Eligibility Baseline 1.95
National Baseline 2.24
Indicator 6 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 6: Child Find Birth to Three - Page 31
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Oklahoma will continue to strive to serve all children in need of early intervention services birth through the
age of two. Targets for 2010-2011 are 2.20% and 2.20% for 2011-2012
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. The OSDE will work on any needed revisions of SoonerStart Policies and Procedures upon receipt of final
federal regulations.
B. The Program Managers will continue to monitor the local early intervention sites public awareness plans and
activities to identify dissemination of public awareness materials and targeting healthcare and community
programs serving children under the age of three.
C. SoonerStart partner agencies, the ICC and local early intervention sites will continue to engage in public
awareness activities that identify all eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities.
D. SoonerStart partner agencies will continue to work with the OKDHS to make referrals from OKDHS smooth
and effective for children under the age of one, in foster care and in OKDHS custody.
E.
1.70 1.80 2.00 2.30 2.00 2.05 2.10 2.10 2.15 2.15 2.20 2.20 2.25
1.80
2.00
2.20 2.20 2.20 2.34
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 FFY
2005
(2005-
2006)
FFY
2006
(2006-
2007)
FFY
2007
(2007-
2008)
FFY
2008
(2008-
2009)
FFY
2009
(2009-
2010)
FFY
2010
(2010-
2011)
FFY
2011
(2011-
2012)
FFY
2012
(2012-
2013)
Indicator 6: Projected Trend for Infants and Toddlers Birth to 3
Percent of Population Served
Oklahoma National Baseline
Indicator 7 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 7: 45-Day Timeline - Page 32
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The OSDE-SES has worked with the ICC members along with other stakeholders to create a SPP that improves the
state’s accountability and supports improved results that are data driven and focus on family and child outcomes.
The QA Team and stakeholders, analyzed the 45-day timeline data, identified key errors with the data collection,
and made recommendations to eliminate SoonerStart sites record reviews that were not considered valid data to
include in the analysis. The stakeholders agreed that 45-day timeline is not a systemic issue for the SoonerStart
program. See introduction and Indicator 1 for more details of stakeholder activities and public dissemination of the
SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: 45-Day Timeline
Indicator 7: Percent of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs for whom an evaluation and assessment and an
initial IFSP meeting were conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent = (# of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs for whom an evaluation and assessment and an initial
IFSP meeting was conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline) divided by (# of eligible infants and toddlers
evaluated and assessed for whom an initial IFSP meeting was required to be conducted) times 100.
Account for untimely evaluations, assessments, and initial IFSP meetings, including the reasons for delays.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a process in which families, resource coordinators, and service
providers are partners.
Resource coordinators and service providers assist families in identifying the strengths and needs of their child and
family through discussions, evaluations and assessments. Based on the strengths and needs identified by the
families, resource coordinators and service providers inform families about the early intervention program services.
Families then determine which services will help meet their identified needs. Together families, resource
coordinators and service providers develop a plan of action for initiating services. Once services have been
implemented, ongoing communication and assessment are necessary to ensure that services continue to meet the
changing needs of children and families.
Sensitivity and flexibility is extended to individual families involved in the IFSP process. Resource coordinators and
service providers acknowledge and respect differences in family structures in order to build on the strengths that
families bring with them to this process.
Each child receives a multidisciplinary evaluation in natural environments.
In SFY 2005, the QA Team asks local sites to collect actual days from the date of referral to the initial IFSP
meeting. A total of 22 SoonerStart sites responded to the request and submitted this information along with their
self assessment report. Data indicates that the average number of days for SoonerStart sites was 47 days from the
referral to the initial IFSP. The median number of days from the referral to the initial IFSP was 43 days. The
circumstances preventing compliance with the 45-day timeline were hospitalization, family cancellations, no shows,
trainings, scheduling around the family’s needs, families not ready to receive services, lost contact with the family,
weather, and systems reasons. Tracking the average and median numbers of days from the referral helps the QA
Team better identify and address system wide deficiencies and issues affecting SoonerStart.
Indicator 7 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 7: 45-Day Timeline - Page 33
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 7, Figure 1 (Source: SFY 2001-2005 data)
In SFY 2001, the SoonerStart partner agencies compared 26 SoonerStart sites sample data. This data did not take
into consideration reasons for the IFSP delay. The QA Team was not able to compare all 26 SoonerStart sites
monitoring data in FFY 2002 due to the timelines of the APR. There were five monitoring sites completed by the
QA Team prior to the APR that identified 89 percent of IFSP were conducted within the 45-day timeline, up from 61
percent in the SFY 2001 APR. In SFY 2003, the SoonerStart QA Team randomly selected one urban site and three
rural sites to analyze the circumstances preventing compliance with the 45-day timeline, percent of compliance and
the actual days for these families for the initial IFSP meeting to be held. When taking into consideration family and
systems reasons the urban site scored 96 percent compliance with meeting IFSP timelines and the three rural sites
scored 93 percent to 100 percent compliance with the 45-day timeline using the quality assurance indicator. In
addition to state monitoring, SoonerStart implemented a pilot project to better meet the State’s 45-day timeline for
initial IFSPs utilizing an urban site which served a monthly caseload of over 800 children. In calendar year 2003, a
total of 83 percent of the SoonerStart records reviewed from Tulsa County met the 45-day timeline. According to the
pilot project data analyses in calendar year 2004, Tulsa County identified 99 percent of the records reviewed met the
45-day timelines. As a result of the urban IFSP pilot project, 45-day timelines have greatly increased. The
information gathered from this pilot indicated that the changes in the initial IFSP and review process can make a
difference in meeting timelines. Modifications to the initial IFSP and review process will enable the local early
intervention sites to better meet the IFSP timeline. OSDE modified the IFSP form and review process in SFY 2005.
During SFY 2005, IFSP training modules were revised and updated to ensure that the most current guidelines are
being used by all SoonerStart teams. By the end of April 2005 all SoonerStart teams were trained to use the revised
IFSP form. Full implementation was May 1, 2005.
In addition to state monitoring, several statewide meetings are held on a regular basis to identify deficiencies and
statewide problems in the delivery of Part C services. State level Part C agency partners from OSDH, DHS, OSDE,
OHCA, ICC, and OUHSC, meet monthly to identify systemic and local issues. Quarterly, regional coordinators,
technical supervisors and lead clinicians meet with the SoonerStart partner agencies to identify and address any
possible system-wide deficiencies and issues affecting SoonerStart.
Indicator 7: Historical Picture of 45-day timeline
61%
89%
96%
99%
88%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Percent Compliance
Indicator 7 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 7: 45-Day Timeline - Page 34
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
SoonerStart partner agencies reviewed evaluation and assessment tools and made recommendations for the most
appropriate tools to use for identifying child and family needs.
SoonerStart partner agencies provided statewide and local training, including STARS, to families/care providers,
community providers, and early intervention staff about family-centered support services, resources, and strategies
to meet the family and child needs.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
In FFY 2004, 503 of 571 (88.09%) eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs had an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
In FFY 2004, SoonerStart did not collect information regarding the reason for delays (but has modified the data
collection system to provide this information beginning in FFY 2005). SoonerStart is dedicated to providing
complete and accurate data to provide to the OSEP, including information regarding the documentation of delays in
the 45-day timeline. Among other steps to correct the noncompliance (including corrective action plans from each
noncompliant local SoonerStart site), the QA Stakeholders recommended that the 45-day timeline become a focused
monitoring priority area for FFY 2005.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Targets
2005
(2005-2006)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2006
(2006-2007)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2007
(2007-2008)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2008
(2008-2009)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2009
(2009-2010)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2010
(2010-2011)
100.00% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2011
(2011-2012
100% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
2012
(2012-2013
100% of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs will have an evaluation, assessment, and
initial IFSP meeting conducted within Part C’s 45-day timeline.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A.
B. Findings from the Comprehensive Desk Audit will be used to identity technical assistance, training, corrective
action plans, and positive recognition.
C. The local SoonerStart team leaders will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the evaluation and IFSPs
process on an ongoing basis and consistently use the data to make program changes.
The SoonerStart Part C partner agencies will continue to provide IFSP training.
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 35
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
The QA Stakeholders met October 4, 2005 to discuss the SoonerStart QA data and make recommendations for
measurable and rigorous targets. Overall, SoonerStart QA Team provided data that will enable the program to
determine the degree to which Indicator 8 was being achieved. It was determined by the QA Stakeholders that a few
of the transition questions asked on the QA document needed to be more clear for data collection and to match the
OSEP measurement. The QA Team and Stakeholders, analyzed Indicator 8 baseline data, identified key errors with
the data collection, and made recommendations to eliminate SoonerStart sites record reviews that were not
considered valid data to include in the analysis. The Stakeholders agreed that timely transition planning to support
the child’s transition to preschool and other appropriate community services by their third birthday is not a systemic
issue for the SoonerStart program. See introduction and Indicator 1 for more details regarding Stakeholder
involvement and public dissemination of the SoonerStart SPP.
Monitoring Priority: Transition
Indicator 8 - Percent of all children exiting Part C who received timely transition planning to support the child’s
transition to preschool and other appropriate community services by their third birthday including:
A. IFSPs with transition steps and services
B. Notification to LEA, if child potentially eligible for Part B: and
C. Transition conference, if child potentially eligible for Part B.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
A. Percent = # of children exiting Part C who have an IFSP with transition steps and services divided by #
of children exiting Part C times 100.
B. Percent = # of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B where notification to the LEA
occurred divided by the # of children exiting Part C who were potentially eligible for Part B times 100.
C. Percent = # of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B where the transition conference
occurred divided by the # of children exiting Part C who were potentially eligible for Part B times 100.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
The Transition at Age Three: Steps for Success Transition Guide was developed to support families, the SoonerStart
early intervention program, schools, and community programs in meeting the federal and state requirements under
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 for transition of children at age three.
This serves as a practical guide identifying state and federal policies and procedures to support families, the
SoonerStart early intervention program, schools and community programs in smooth and effective transitions for
Oklahoma’s children with developmental delays as they reach their third birthday. It provides guiding principles,
recommended practices, and tools to promote smooth and effective transitions. The guide also serves to encourage
practices that will reflect a home, school, and community partnership to benefit all concerned – the family and child,
the SoonerStart early intervention program, local schools, and, ultimately, the community at large.
The SoonerStart team is required to complete a transition evaluation and a current assessment of the child’s present
levels of functioning to assist in a smooth and effective transition, whether or not the family chooses to be referred
to the local school for Part B services.
As a means of preparing for transition, SoonerStart and the family create an individualized plan that includes
transition activities, visiting programs, addressing any remaining equipment that the child may need for the future,
and identify community resources. Many families like to visit community preschools, Head Starts, child care
centers, and preschools located in public schools when thinking about transition. From July 2004 through March
2005, STARS has provided four statewide trainings specific to transition and IEP development for parent/caregivers,
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 36
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
SoonerStart staff, school staff, and other community service providers. A total of 25 school districts participated in
the STARS trainings.
According to a report by the family services coordinator, transition training was conducted through the SPAN
curriculum and mentorship program for 12 families during this fiscal year. SoonerStart family services coordinator
consulted with 6 trained mentors and 6 families, who also received mentorship, through the transition period. There
were a total 300 families who participated in the SPAN training and received transition support, information and
educational materials.
Analysis of the data indicates that information gathered from the family survey demonstrates SoonerStart families
feel they are receiving the supports, services and resources necessary to provide a smooth and effective transition
from the SoonerStart program. See Indicator 1 for further information regarding the SoonerStart Part C Survey.
Quality Assurance Process:
The design of the SoonerStart quality assurance process provides for continuous improvement though ongoing
planning, implementation analysis, and evaluation of the SoonerStart program to improve results for infants and
toddlers and their families in Oklahoma. The methodology for record selection is identified in Indicator 1 of this
document.
Quality assurance process questions for measuring transition compliance:
Program Questions
Transition plan was initiated 6 to 12 months prior to the child’s 3rd birthday for children receiving SoonerStart
services prior to the age of 30 months.
Early Intervention information was sent to the LEA in a timely manner for planning of the transition planning
conference. Timeliness is defined as two weeks prior to the Transition Planning Conference (TPC).
Transition evaluation and assessment was completed by 24-32 months of age for children receiving services prior
to 32 months of age using the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) in all five domains.
Records reflect documentation of the IFSP team discussing the transition process with the family before writing
the transition plan.
IFSP team assisted the family in identifying a range of options and community resources.
The IFSP reflect individualized outcomes for the transition.
Parent consent for referral was obtained if the parent desired further services.
Indicator 8, Table 1(Source: SFY 2005 SoonerStart Comprehensive Quality Assurance Process)
In SFY 2005, 25 local SoonerStart early intervention sites conducted a self assessment using the SoonerStart QA
Process to gather data. The SoonerStart records indicated that the transition plan was initiated 6 to 12 months prior
to the child’s 3rd birthday for children receiving SoonerStart services prior to the age of 32 months is in compliance.
The transition identified reasons why the Transition Planning Conference (TPC) with possible receiving agencies
were not within the 90 day timeline. Reasonable efforts were documented to convene a conference among the
SoonerStart program, the family, and Part B. Some of the reasons that prevented timely 90-day TPCs were:
 Cancellations
 No shows
 Weather
 Child illness
 Hospitalization
 Summer birthdates
 Scheduling challenges
 Parent consent
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 37
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
 Parent not ready to meet with the LEA
The SoonerStart QA Team changed the quality assurance transition questions. The transition program questions
were separated into late referrals, transitioning to Part B, transitioning to community programs, and identifying the
reasons why the TPCs did not happen within the 90-day timeline. The records reflected that the resource
coordinator attempted to initiate TPCs with the family, LEA, and community programs in a timely manner. This
process clearly documents implementation of transition specific performance and compliance requirements. It is
important to note, in Oklahoma, the QA process for gathering transition data is different than the identified OSEP
measurement. The SoonerStart QA measurement is identified in Indicator 8, Table 1.
Part B 619 coordinator works with the Part C program as an interagency partner. The Part B 619 provides funding
to support transition trainings for SoonerStart early intervention staff, family/caregivers, Part B staff, and other
community service providers.
In SFY 2004, through the public awareness component of the SoonerStart quality assurance process, local early
intervention sites must have Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) on file for local community services such as
Head Start. Out of the 26 SoonerStart early intervention sites, four sites received cautions regarding the lack of
having agreements in place with local Head Starts. In SFY 2005, all 26 SoonerStart sites had MOUs with Head Start
or the documentation that supported the attempt to have MOUs.
Baseline Data for FFY 2004 (2004-2005):
A. 353 of 401 (88.03%) of children exiting Part C had an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 199 of 227 (87.67%) of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B had notification to the
LEA.
C. 195 of 227 (85.90%) of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B had a transition
conference.
Discussion of Baseline Data:
SoonerStart QA Team reviewed the self-assessment data submitted by 26 early intervention sites. SoonerStart’s QA
measurement of Indicator 8 reflects data were analyzed to evaluate the quality of the data and to investigate the
ability to collect data that measures IFSP with a transition plan in place 6 months prior to the child turning three,
where notification to the LEA occurred of children exiting Part C two weeks prior to the scheduling of the 90-day
TPC, and where the 9 day TPC occurred. Individual monitoring tools were used by the lead clinician and regional
coordinator from each site. The QA Team reviewed the SoonerStart’s sites self assessment data and concluded that
some teams did not follow the QA guidelines for collecting data.
SoonerStart’s goal is to develop a standard method to select records from sites that minimize sampling errors and
variation yet contribute to describing the state’s early intervention program. The QA Team discovered that some of
the SoonerStart sites record reviews could not be considered valid data to include in the analysis. Taking into
consideration types of errors associated with the QA process were:
 Individuals abstracting data and transferring data onto tally sheets
 Staff interpretation of what needs to be abstracted from the record
 Data errors
 Missing data
 Incorrect or outdated individual monitoring tools
 Staff shortages
 Changes in leadership
 Following instructions of the QA procedures
 Random sample contained records prior to the completion of the sites corrective action plan.
These results were presented to the SoonerStart QA Stakeholders. Upon their recommendations, five sites were
eliminated from the QA analysis for the state and were identified for technical assistance by the QA Team. These
five outlier sites do not represent the typical process for SoonerStart. The five sites are considered to be outside the
norm. After evaluating for accuracy by checking and correcting data entry errors, the QA Team believes that
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 38
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Indicator 8, Figure 1, with outliers removed, is the best representation of Oklahoma’s SoonerStart performance with
this indicator. When the SoonerStart QA process was conducted Oklahoma did not have the OSEP Indicator 8
measurement. Because of the difference in the SoonerStart QA and OSEP measurement the varying data collection
method may reflect a lower score for Oklahoma. The SoonerStart program does not identify systemic
noncompliance with transition.
FFY Measurable and Rigorous Targets
2005
(2005-2006)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2006
(2006-2007)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2007
(2007-2008)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2008
(2008-2009)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2009
(2009-2010)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2010
(2010-2011)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
2011
(2011-2012)
A. 100.00% of children exiting Part C will have an IFSP with transition steps and services.
B. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have notification
to the LEA.
C. 100.00% of children exiting Part C and potentially eligible for Part B will have a transition
conference.
Improvement Activities/Timelines/Resources:
A. .
B. The OSDE will work on any needed revisions of SoonerStart Policies and Procedures upon receipt of final
federal regulations.
Indicator 8 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 8: Effective Transition - Page 39
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
C. The Transition at Age Three: Steps for Success Transition Guide will be revised to include the new statute and
federal regulations to reinforce the policy that resource coordinators and service providers are responsible for
helping families with children who are and are not eligible for Part B services find appropriate services.
D. SoonerStart will continue to provide training and information available at the state, regional, and local level to
all families/care providers, resource coordinators, regional coordinators, service providers, staff, LEAs, and
community providers on the topic of transition.
E. .
F. The Section 619 Preschool Coordinator will provide 5 trainings across Oklahoma on Transition. SoonerStart
sites and local school districts will be trained together to help promote local partnerships. This training is
mandatory for all SoonerStart staff.
G. OSDE-SES will send out a clarification memo to both Part B and C staff regarding the recent guidance
received from OSEP regarding transition.
H. OSDE-SES will evaluate data to investigate the SoonerStart sites that are having challenges with this indicator
and provide that site targeted technical assistance and training.
I. OSDE-SES will consider developing a tool kit for SoonerStart sites to use when working on transition.
Indicator 9 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 9: Timely Correction of Noncompliance - Page 40
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) for 2005-2010
Overview of the State Performance Plan Development:
SoonerStart partner agencies met with the National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring
(NCSEAM) to complete a self-assessment focused monitoring implementation checklist, develop a work plan for
Oklahoma Part C and scheduled a Stakeholder meeting. October 26, 2004 was Part C’s first SoonerStart
Stakeholder Committee meeting. A total of 35 people were invited. The Stakeholder Committee reviewed data
from the quality assurance activities to evaluate the process and to make recommendations for enhancement. The
SoonerStart Stakeholder Committee meets biannually to review existing monitoring data, the QA Reports, APR, and
program indicators to identify needed changes in the system and identify strategies that will assist the SoonerStart
program to move towards a more focused monitoring process.
The OSDE-SES will make available and report statewide data to the public regarding progress and/or slippage in
meeting the measurable and rigorous targets identified in the SPP. In addition, the state will report disaggregated
data based on the performance of each SoonerStart site on the targets in the SPP. The OSDE-SES will deliver the
SPP electronically to all SoonerStart sites, local health department administrators, ICC, and the QA and SPP
Stakeholder Group. The SPP will be posted on the OSDE-SES Web site for public viewing
and will be shared at open public meetings such as the ICC Committee meeting, Program Evaluation Committee
meeting, QA Stakeholders Committee, State Superintendent’s Special Education Conference, and SoonerStart Team
Leader meeting.
Monitoring Priority: General Supervision
Indicator 9 - General supervision system (including monitoring, complaints, hearings, etc.) identifies and corrects
noncompliance as soon as possible but in no case later than one year from identification.
(20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B) and 1442)
Measurement:
Percent of noncompliance corrected within one year of identification:
a. # of findings of noncompliance.
b. # of corrections completed as soon as possible but in no case later than one year from identification.
Percent = b divided by a times 100
For any noncompliance not corrected within one year of identification, describe what actions, including technical
assistance and/or enforcement that the State has taken.
Overview of Issue/Description of System or Process:
SoonerStart implemented a new monitoring system in FFY 2009-2010. This included the development of new
monitoring procedures, timelines, reports, and tools. Oklahoma has three types of monitoring; 1)
Comprehensive Desk Audit Compliance Review of all 26 SoonerStart sites every year, 2) Focused Monitoring,
and 3) Concern Specific Monitoring. OSDE-SES hired two Program Managers to develop and implement the
new system. The Program Managers are responsible for all three types of monitoring, corrective action plan
monitoring, training and technical assistance. Each Program Manager oversees 13 sites,
The Comprehensive Desk Audit Compliance Review is completed in September through October of each
year. This audit includes data verification and validation of all IFSPs and Transitions completed in the
previous state fiscal year. The focus of this audit is to provide reliable and valid data for APR development.
Therefore data for indicators, 1, 7, 8 and 9 are reviewed for compliance. In August of each year the Data
Analysis Specialist pulls the data from our online data system and reviews it for compliance. All charts that
are out of compliance are reviewed at the local level for exceptional family circumstances and other reasons
for not meeting timelines by the Program Managers. This information is then provided back to the Data
Indicator 9 Oklahoma
Part C State Performance Plan: 2005-2010 Monitoring Priority 9: Timely Correction of Noncompliance - Page 41
(Based on the OMB Cleared Measurement Table)
Analysis Specialist to calculate the level of compliance for the state. The Data Analysis Specialist uses this
data to develop the SoonerStart Data Profiles, which are used to issue findings to sites. The Program
Managers work with each site’s team leaders to develop local corrective action plans after the profiles are
provided